Rupp: Ending Discrimination Against Religious Organizations

One of our many valued liberties that we enjoy as American citizens is the right to worship as we please and support the causes of our choice. Religious organizations play a huge role in many Missourians’ lives, and these institutions deserve as much respect as other associations throughout our state. With a goal to eliminate discrimination toward religious groups, such as churches and various charities, and the countless Missourians who participate in and support these services, I’m sponsoring Senate Joint Resolution 47. This joint resolution would allow Missouri voters to decide whether or not to remove a portion of the Missouri Constitution that prohibits the distribution of public funds to religious organizations.

The portion of our constitution in which I am referring, known as the “Blaine Amendment,” states that the General Assembly, various townships, and municipal corporations cannot make an appropriation or pay from any public fund to aid an organization controlled by a religious creed, including learning institutions. My joint resolution would, if approved by the voters, amend the Missouri Constitution to state that the General Assembly and any Missouri township cannot deny religious organizations general state benefits for any education program, funding, or other support, as long as the benefits comply with the requirements of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

I no longer want to see discrimination against religious organizations and those who support their mission. In our great country, we have the right and freedom to support the associations of our choice, and those organizations should receive the same constitutional benefits that any other organization would receive. Missouri is one of the most restricted states in the country regarding this matter — other states are allowed to distribute funds to a variety of organizations in a constitutional manner. The joint resolution doesn’t step upon the separation of church and state — it would simply guarantee the same constitutional rights of all eligible associations.

The initiative, if approved by the General Assembly, will appear on the ballot this November for the voters’ approval. If you have any questions regarding this initiative, please don’t hesitate to contact me. It is always my pleasure to speak with you.