Opinion ID: 1187847
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Statutory Language in Issue.

Text: In accordance with the above rule of construction, our first inquiry is into whether the statute can be interpreted in a reasonable way that does not render it potentially unconstitutional. As we noted in footnote 2 above, I.C. § 72-1316A defines the term exempt employment. Services that constitute exempt employment are not covered by Idaho's employment security law. I.C. §§ 72-1366 and -1367. The particular part of § 72-1316A that the Industrial Commission held unconstitutional§ 72-1316A(g)(1)exempts services performed in the employ of either a church or group of churches, or an organization operated primarily for religious purposes and which is operated or principally supported by a church or group of churches. For the reasons that follow, we hold that (A) while Nampa Christian is not a church for purposes of I.C. § 72-1316A(g)(1)(i), (B) it is operated primarily for religious purposes and is principally supported by an association of churches as I.C. § 72-1316A(g)(1)(ii) requires.