FLDS Leader Likens Food Stamp Donation to PTA Bake Sale in Religious Freedom Arguments
See what happens when you try to give religion extra protections? Fraud becomes religious freedom…
The filing echoes arguments made by fugitive FLDS leader Lyle Jeffs’ attorney and John Wayman in court documents. They were joined by the remaining defendants in the massive food stamp fraud case. All 11 defendants are arguing a right under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to consecrate their property to their church — including government-issued Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Federal prosecutors have objected, claiming that food stamp benefits are for intended recipients only and can’t be given away.
“As it stands, post-hearing, the vast majority of the defendants have failed to meet their burden in establishing that they hold a sincerely held religious belief and that the SNAP statutes and regulations substantially burden those beliefs,” assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Berndt wrote.
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