Lawsuit aims to block effort to spend tax money on religious groups

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An effort by Republicans in the Florida Legislature to end a century-old state ban on public aid to religious institutions was challenged in court today by Florida's teachers union and several religious and civic leaders.

The Legislature approved a ballot measure this spring that will ask voters to repeal a provision in the state constitution that forbids giving taxpayer money to religious groups. The issue is scheduled for the November 2012 ballot.

But the Florida Education Association and others said voters should not see the "misleading" amendment proposal, which they call a "shady" attempt to make it easier to funnel taxpayers' money to private, religious schools through vouchers.

The plaintiffs, who include ministers and rabbis, also said the measure would essentially force taxpayers to spend their money on religious groups whose beliefs may not mesh with their own.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/education/os-school-voucher-florida-20110720,0,2950429.story