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Humanists Laud Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Church-State Separation

February 25, 2004

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that a state may specifically prohibit the funding of religious instruction, freeing states to offer scholarships for secular studies without being compelled to sponsor religious practice. "With this decision, the Court has demonstrated regard for the principle of church-state separation, which is the bedrock of religious freedom for all Americans," stated Tony Hileman, executive director of the American Humanist Association (AHA).

This case, Locke v. Davey, challenged the Washington State Promise Scholarship awarding financial aid based on academic, income, and enrollment. Davey, a student enrolled in a ministry program, was denied funding based on the Washington State Constitution, which disallows funds for religious instruction or for programs that prepare students for the ministry.

The Supreme Court 7-2 vote decided that the federal Free Exercise Clause does not require Washington to fund religious instruction. It has further implications in setting a clear precedent that states can offer greater protection in terms of church-state separation than the federal government.

"The Court's decision is encouraging as we are in the midst of challenge after challenge to the First Amendment, where public funds are being directed to fund faith-based initiatives, school vouchers, and social services," concludes Hileman.

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