The Indian Panorama: Avella/ Brennan Bill establishing non-profit incorporation for Hindu, Sikh and Islamic groups passes both Houses

ALBANY, NY (TIP): State Senator Tony Avella and Assembly Member James Brennan announced, June 17, that their bill to provide a means of nonprofit incorporation for organized groups affiliated with the Hindu, Sikh, and Islamic faiths for legal and tax purposes.

Currently, the religious corporations law explicitly names and lays out organization regulations for over 20 religious groups, but does not explicitly recognize groups of the Hindu, Sikh, and Islamic faiths. Senator Avella’s legislation, carried in the Assembly by Assembly Member James Brennan, would correct this inconsistency. The bill would explicitly allow each of these groups to have the same rights to incorporation as enjoyed by others under the current New York State Religious Corporations law.

Senator Avella stated, “Currently, the law specifically lays out religious aspects and titles of clergy for over 20 different religious groups, but does not include groups of Hindu, Sikh, and Islamic faiths. My bill would seeks to correct this inequity, and ensure that every religious faith has access to the same rights as any other religious group. I am proud to announce that this bill has now passed both houses – it is high time that the Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims of New York are fully recognized in our law,” said Senator Tony Avella.

“Under the current New York State Religious Corporations Law, more than 20 religiously affiliated groups enjoy certain rights to incorporation. In passing this bill, Assembly Bill no. 8122, I am pleased to say that these incorporation rights will be expanded to encompass groups affiliated with the Hindu, Sikh, and Islamic faiths.” said Assemblymember Jim Brennan, Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions.

 For more click here