Jeb Bush acolytes in FL legislature push constitutional amendment to abolish church-state separation

[seafan]

The looming specter of Jeb Bush still running the Florida Legislative agenda from his comfy hideout in Miami ensures that Floridians still have a great deal of work to do to banish his destructive influence on every aspect of our state.




The opinion of editors at Florida Today:


April 18, 2010

The separation between church and state is cherished in America and has been enshrined in the Florida Constitution for 130 years.

Now that principle is threatened under a proposal from State Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, who is pushing a constitutional amendment that would abolish the strict government-church divide and allow unfettered spending of taxpayer money on religious organizations.

The bill passed hurdles in the Senate and House last week and would require approval by three-fifths of both chambers to be placed on the November ballot. There, it would need 60 percent of the vote to become law.

The measure is a deceptive ploy that’s likely unconstitutional and would greatly harm the state.

Altman says the change is necessary, claiming the current constitutional provision is prejudicial and prohibits citizens from getting aid from church-run social services.

That’s not true. Religious discrimination is prohibited in the Florida Constitution.

And there’s absolutely no evidence that rampant prejudice exists that would justify repealing the ban.

Added to the state Constitution in 1885 in reaction to anti-Catholic fears sweeping the nation, it says no state revenues can go to directly or indirectly aid any church, sect or denomination. In a radical departure, Altman’s amendment strikes that provision and adds language saying religious institutions could get tax dollars from “any public program.”

Hospitals, nursing homes and children’s service groups affiliated with religious groups can already contract to provide services for government, so long as they don’t proselytize or discriminate against those of other faiths.

That shows the amendment isn’t about religious freedom.

It’s another attempt by the Florida Republican Party to achieve its goal of changing the Constitution so that taxpayer money can be spent on voucher programs for private schools, many of which are run by churches.

The courts have correctly struck down its two previous tries.

.....

Governor Charlie Crist to Legislature: 'Who is running the asylum?'




Who, indeed:




RIMINI, ITALY - AUGUST 28: Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida (USA) attends to the 30th Meeting for Friendship among the Peoples on August 28, 2009 in Rimini, Italy. Diplomats, politicians, economists, scientists and human right activists will concentrate on this years themes of knowledge and faith. Getty Images

[Bitwit1234]

1. State regulations will never overturn the Constitution

this other absolute piece of treasonous bush POS thinks he can over turn the constitution ....let him try.

[EC]

2. Maybe someone should point out that if this passes

it would also seem to mean that churches are no longer tax-exempt and would have to also pay taxes on their tithes and property.