The Obama Administration joined with Arizona in arguing that Arizona residents who oppose this funding do not have standing to bring the lawsuit. Arizona taxpayers don’t have standing in a case involving Arizona tax distribution? That’s absurd. Once again Obama disappoints.
Tax monies are used to support religious education indoctrination. This is nothing but a taxpayer subsidy for religious schools. Last year 91.5% of the $52 million collected, went to religious schools.
The Establishment Clause prohibits government aid to religion. Last year, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declared that the Arizona scheme violates the separation of church and state. From the Justices’ questioning during oral arguments, it looks like Justice Anthony Kennedy will be the deciding vote.
This is part of the right’s war on education. From kicking evolution out of the classroom to abolishing the Department of Education, the right wants to turn the electorate into a band of easily swayed ignoramuses. Considering the results of this past election, they’re succeeding.
If any of these funds were going towards scholarships for students attending Madrasahs, the right would have a total freak-out.
H/T: SCOTUSblog, ACLU, Breaking Legal News, AU.
-David Drumm (Nal)