Anti-abortion tax exemption clears Idaho House
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- A tax break sought by an anti-abortion pregnancy center in Boise cleared the House on a near party-line vote.
The measure to benefit Stanton Health Care by giving such clinics a sales tax exemption passed Tuesday on a 58-12 vote.
All supporters except one were Republican, with Rep. Carolyn Meline from Pocatello the lone Democratic backer.
Stanton and its founder, anti-abortion activist Brandi Swindell, want the exemption after they had to pay thousands in back sales taxes.
Supporters called it good public policy, while foes objected to carving out a tax exemption on the divisive issue of terminating a pregnancy.
Last year, Swindell gained attention by staging a live Capitol ultrasound demonstration -- in support of an unsuccessful measure to require women seeking an abortion to get an ultrasound screening.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.