Supreme Court in oral arguments appears likely to favor Catholic groups in tax exemption case

The U.S. Supreme Court Monday, during oral arguments about whether Catholic groups are exempt from certain state taxes, appeared likely to side with the plaintiffs who are arguing they were wrongfully denied religious exemptions from a state tax that supports benefits for unemployed individuals, according to NBC News.

The case came before the Supreme Court after the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the group, which was operating under the Catholic Charities Bureau of the Diocese of Superior, was not religious enough in purpose to receive the same treatment as other charities. 

Liberal and conservative justices on the high court bench seemed concerned about the state of Wisconsin determining which group could get exemptions based on religious beliefs under the First Amendment. 

The groups before the court are Headwaters, Barron County Developmental Services, Diversified Services and Black River Industries. While they serve disabled people mostly, the charities are open to non-Catholics.

The groups argued their rights were violated under the free exercise clause. 

"I thought it was pretty fundamental that we don't treat some religions better than other religions," said liberal Justice Elena Kagan.

Conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch said: "Isn’t it a fundamental premise of our First Amendment that the state shouldn’t be picking and choosing between religions?"