February 8, 2006
Valdosta - Customers buying a Holy Bible at the Potters House aren't paying sales tax today. Its been that way for as long as employees here can remember. "We've been here in Valdosta for 26 years and there's never been tax on a Bible," said Cherie Gregory, Store Owner.
Georgia law exempts from sales tax Bibles, testaments, and similar books commonly recognized as Holy Scripture. But a federal judge says that shows favoritism to certain religions, and he's throwing the law out. "Our country was founded on religious principles and I feel like this is one more right that's being taken from us," said Gregory.
The average Bible at the Potters House costs about $30.00, so the sales tax exemption only saves you about $2.00. But Christians say its not about the money, its about principle. "I think it puts that Bible as something of importance," said Gregory.
"I just feel like its another attack on Christianity," said Lee Andrews.
And as for showing favoritism to certain religions, they say the law does no such thing. "We're in America and the first amendment should cover every recognized religion, if they have a foundation book, they shouldn't be taxed," said Reverend Wayne Dorsett.
A spokesperson for the Department of Revenue says that they are waiting to discuss the issue with the attorney general's office and haven't been told yet to send notification of the sales tax status out to Georgia businesses.
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