Georgia Governor Proposes Constitutional Amendment To Aid Faith-Based Programs

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the reintroduction of a proposal to amend the Georgia Constitution to allow faith-based social service providers to compete for state funds. Georgia's constitution contains a "Blaine Amendment" that prohibits public funds from being used "directly or indirectly, in aid of any church, sect, cult, or religious denomination or of any sectarian institution". The proposed amendment would qualify this provision by adding, "Except as permitted or required by the United States Constitution, as amended". This is the third time the Governor has attempted to get legislative approval of his Faith and Family Services Amendment. The resolution will require a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate, and approval by voters in the November 2006 election, in order to become effective. [Thanks to Joseph Knippenberg for the information.]