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CS/HJR 1471 — Religious Freedom
by Judiciary Committee and Rep. Plakon and others (SJR 1218 by Senator Altman)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
The joint resolution amends s. 3, Art. I, of the State Constitution relating to religious freedom. The resolution:
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Repeals a limit on the power of the state and its subdivisions to spend funds “directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.” The repealed provision is often cited as a “Blaine Amendment.”
- Provides that government may not deny the benefits of any program, funding, or other support on the basis of religious identity or belief, except to the extent required by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
If approved by at least 60 percent of the electors voting on the measure at the November 2012 general election, the constitutional amendment will take effect January 8, 2013.
Vote: Senate 26-10; House 81-35