The Freedom From Religion Foundation is sounding the tocsin about a proposal in the Texas Legislature that would assault the constitutional wall of separation enshrined in both the state and federal constitutions. The proposal is grandiosely and misleadingly dubbed the “Protection of Religious Liberty from Nativist Jurisprudence Act.” If passed, House Bill 5003 and companion Senate Bill 1879 would seek to ensure that state-sponsored religion will go unchecked in Texas, in particular forcing taxpayer support of private religious schools. Recently introduced in the Legislature, the bills would prohibit the enforcement of the no-aid clause in Article I, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution, which reads: “No appropriation for sectarian purposes. No money shall be appropriated or drawn from the treasury for the benefit of any sect, or religious society, theological or religious seminary, nor shall property belonging to the state be appropriated for any such purposes.” The legislation targets the so-called “ Blaine Amendment ,” which a majority of state constitutions have adopted and that are also known as the “no aid” clauses because they bar public funds from going to religion, ministries or religious schools. The proposal forbids any governmental officer or employee from enforcing the Blaine Amendment […]
