Florida Amendment 8: Religious Freedom
Take a closer look at the proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution before you vote,
Amendment 8: Religious Freedom
This amendment repeals a provision in the state Constitution that bans taxpayer funding of religious institutions. If passed, the measure would enable the state to provide financial support to religious schools and institutions.
Opponents, including the League of Women Voters of Florida, say the amendment erodes the separation of church and state and takes away from public education.
Supporters say the measure would enable the state to provide funding for programs that are considered valuable public services.
For complete wording of the amendment, visit the Florida Division of Elections online.
Sam
9:00 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
This is a ridiculous amendment. The U.S. Constitution 1st amendment is very clear on this subject.
Steve
9:11 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Unfortunately, Sam, that's the point. Our home-grown, right-wing legislators and their big-money supporters (like the Koch brothers) want to UN-DO the US Constitution and, essentially, pull Florida out of it in this area.
Gary Price
12:23 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
www.votenoon8.com
DianeH
10:55 am on Sunday, October 21, 2012
I will vote NO on this amendment. I believe in the separation of church and state. I wouldn't want the taxes I pay going toward religious education, be it Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or any other religion.
Lynda
12:57 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2012
The state legislature outdid itself in proposing so many amendments to put on this ballot. The amendments are poorly worded, confusing--by the design of the legislature--and in most cases if enacted will cause significant (and expensive!) legal activity. Vote "NO" on all amendments this year. Tell the legislature to do a better job if they expect voters to support amendments. Better yet tell them to concentrate on fixing the crisis in home owners insurance in Florida.
George Michael
2:44 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
The Florida Supreme Court's opinion that vouchers violate the state constitutional "uniform public schools" mandate ignored the fact that the "uniform public schools" mandate violates the SCOTUS Pierce v Society of Sisters ruling. Article IX, Section I's "uniform public schools" mandate is unconstitutional.
The Blaine Amendment was defeated at the United States level by the United States Senate. It was forced upon many of the States including Florida by the anti-Catholic factions in the House of Representatives.
It is time to end state mandated prejudice and state mandated indoctrination.
Jim Frankowiak
9:10 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Amendment 8 is not about vouchers at all. They are unconstitutional today and will be so after the election. The amendment seeks to ensure continued delivery of crucial social service programs by faith-based providers. Recent court cases have placed these programs in potential jeopardy simply because they are provided by religious organizations as has been the case for decades. Amendment 8 eliminates discrimination against faith-based providers of social services.