Florida constitutional amendment would let religious groups get public funds

October 16, 2012 | Filed under: 2012 Election,News | Posted by:

It’s been good enough for 127 years, but now Floridians may vote to remove a ban on public funds going to religious organizations.

Florida voters must weigh far-ranging claims from both sides in deciding a proposed constitutional amendment lifting a 127-year-old ban on public money going to religious institutions.

Opponents say Amendment 8 – if approved – will revive efforts by the Republican-ruled legislature to reinstate private school vouchers, a signature policy of former Gov. Jeb Bush ruled unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court.

But supporters of the proposed amendment say it is merely a defensive move, designed to allow organizations already providing critical state services to fend off possible legal challenges.

My prediction? If it passes, we’ll see plenty of First Amendment cases when the legislature starts sending taxpayer dollars to churches, synagogues, and other religious bodies. They will lose before the Supreme Court, and the ultimate loser will be Florida’s taxpayers.

Related articles:

  1. Florida Folly: Constitutional change would harm religious liberty, clergy say
  2. With charity for some? Illinois court rejects Catholic agency’s ‘right’ to discriminate with public funds
  3. UK Government signals an increased role for religious groups in running public services
  4. A constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United?
  5. Public funds for Fred Phelps? Voucher dollars could go to religious schools that teach hate

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