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Florida AG Declares Religious Funding Ban Unconstitutional

4/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says Florida's ban on public funding for religious institutions violates the First Amendment.
Uthmeier said his office will not enforce laws preventing religious schools from accessing public funds.
Uthmeier's opinion argues the Establishment Clause applies only to the federal government, allowing states to support religious education.
A recent deadlocked U.S. Supreme Court decision upheld a ruling against creating a Catholic charter school.

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Story summary

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says Florida's ban on public funding for religious institutions violates the First Amendment.
Uthmeier said his office will not enforce laws preventing religious schools from accessing public funds.
Uthmeier's opinion argues the Establishment Clause applies only to the federal government, allowing states to support religious education.
A recent deadlocked U.S. Supreme Court decision upheld a ruling against creating a Catholic charter school.