ORTHODOX UNION STATEMENT ON FLORIDA’S “BLAINE AMENDMENT” BALLOT PROPOSAL — COMMENDS LEGISLATURE FOR PLACING ON BALLOT; URGES FLORIDIANS TO VOTE FOR REPEAL
The Florida Legislature overwhelmingly approved a ballot proposal that strikes discriminatory and anti-religious language from Florida’s Constitution. Florida’s voters will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed changes in November 2012.
Following the Senate vote (the House had already voted last week to place the proposed changes on the ballot), OU Deputy Director of Public Policy Howie Beigelman stated:
“The “Blaine Amendment” is a shameful vestige of a Florida and an America that is no longer: one where hate and religious bigotry could find sanction in the constitution. It’s long past time Blaine was removed from the Constitution, and it’s long past time Florida’s faith based community was on equal footing with other non-profits across the state. This has been a long process, and the Orthodox Union is grateful to the sponsors, Senator Altman and Rep. Plakon for their efforts as well as to the Senate and House leadership, Senator Haridopolos and Speaker Cannon. As well, we would be remiss if we did not mention the repeal efforts in previous sessions by former Majority Leader Adam Hasner. We hope that in November 2012, Floridians will vote, once and for all, to repeal Blaine.”
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