November 3, 2009
NEWS STORY
A taxing debate for yoga in Mo.
By Tim Townsend
RNS-YOGA-TAX
ST. LOUIS (RNS) On Sunday, Missouri became the only state to enforce a sales tax on what many see as a spiritual pursuit -- the practice of yoga. The debate between Missouri's yoga community and the state centers on whether yoga is a spiritual practice or just exercise. If it's one, it's constitutionally protected and can't be taxed. If it's the other, Missouri's cash-strapped budget has a new source of revenue. On Monday, yoga studio owners pledged to fight for their students and educate state legislators about yoga's spiritual roots. By Tim Townsend. About 850.