Written by Don Byrd
Missouri voters head to the polls today to decide on a controversial amendment to the state’s Constitution. Among other things, the measure would give broad powers of refusal to students who object to an assignment on religious grounds, and purports to allow government entities the right to include sectarian prayer in official events, despite Supreme Court rulings suggesting otherwise.
Of course, the ballot summary voters will read doesn’t quite explain it that way, stating instead that it protects the right of citizens to express their religious beliefs.
The referendum is expected to pass of course (who wouldn’t want to protect the right of citizens to express their religious beliefs?), but it will be a mistake if it does. As the NYTimes argued today, Amendment 2 is not necessary to protect religious freedom (see: First Amendment). It would also unwisely create confusion for schools and officials, and conflict in the law inviting litigation.
Results tonight.
[UPDATE: As expected, the Amendment passed, by an overwhelming margin, 83%-17%.]
