Protesters Accuse Pirates Owners Of Taking Tax Advantages

Before the Pirates took on the Boston Red Sox at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Sunday, a group of protesters came out and called for the team to "move home."

Members of One Pittsburgh gathered near the Roberto Clemente statue to protest what they're calling the “Delaware loophole."

"It's a tax loophole that allows big corporations like the Pirates and many others to register subsidiary companies in the state of Delaware to avoid paying corporate income taxes in the state of Pennsylvania," said protester Sam Williamson.

Group members insist the Pirates are not paying their fair share of taxes.

“Everybody should be forced to pay their fair share,” said Williamson. “We are here today to talk about one specific loophole. We think all successful companies have a role to play in cities like Pittsburgh."

Members of One Pittsburgh said 26 other states have banned the so-called Delaware loophole and are asking the Pennsylvania legislature to do the same.

"There wasn't a problem when they asked the taxpayers to pay for this stadium, but now they want to take their corporation to Delaware and not take their corporate tax here. It's just not right," said protester Kevin White.

The Pirates released a statement saying, “The assertion that the Pirates were 'moved' to avoid paying Pennsylvania state taxes is false. The Pittsburgh Pirates are, and have been for many years, a Pennsylvania limited partnership. In addition, millions of dollars are also generated through the amusement tax, which goes directly to the city of Pittsburgh. "

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