Congress OKs allowing tithing in bankruptcies

Published: Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006 7:40 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
WASHINGTON — Individuals can still contribute to charity or pay religious tithing even if they have declared bankruptcy, under a bill approved by Congress Wednesday.

The House passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Sen. Barrack Obama, D-Ill., that clarified bankruptcy laws to override a court's interpretation of the law that would have prohibited tithing or other charitable giving if a person had declared bankruptcy.

"Congress has a long history of protecting our religious freedom to tithe," Hatch said. "That was our intent when we enacted bankruptcy reform last year, and this bill clarifies the law so that those who tithe can continue to live their faith while in bankruptcy."

A New York bankruptcy judge ruled earlier this year that those in bankruptcy at a certain level could not include a tithing payment or other charitable giving in their repayment plans. The bill passed Wednesday would allow people to continue to give while repaying the debt.

"For millions of Americans, charitable giving and tithing is an essential part of their lives," Obama said. "And in a country where 37 million citizens live in poverty, we should be encouraging charitable giving, not limiting it."

Story continues below

The Senate passed the bill in September and now with the House's approval it can go to the president for his signature.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

It should come as no surprise that American and British casualties have...

Millsap will be an average player in Portland. Roy runs that team and the...

I had to re-read the article after reading these posts. I didn't read...

Many people obviously love Brother Pratt, but my heart goes out to his...

2 men cited in trespassing on LDS plaza

Why does inacceptable behavior become justifiable under the guise of...

I hope I am not speaking too quickly, but in the about ten comments I have...

It is ZION for your information---- for now anyway. Secede?? Why should we...

We could pull out of this recession by extending the Bush tax cuts that are...

| 9:21 a.m. July 10, 2009 I'm not surprised to hear that Sen Bennett is...

It ain't over till the fat lady gets the red dress.

Advertisements