Several states amended their constitutions to preserve the non-denominationally Protestant nature of the public schools, while barring any public funding of so-called \u201csectarian,\u201d\u009d or Catholic, schools. Though Rep. Blaine\u2019s attempt to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution ultimately failed, many states succeeded.<\/p>\n
So it is that engines of animus toward Catholics have been transmuted into engines of animus against all religion. Those today who rely on these sordid provisions disclaim any anti-Catholic animus or hostility toward religion. They insist they are merely trying to maintain a \u201cstrict separation\u201d\u009d between church and state.<\/p>\n
That makes no sense. The Douglas County scholarship program does not provide aid to religious schools or any schools. It provides aid to Douglas County students. Not a penny of that money can flow to any school\u201d\u201dreligious or not\u201d\u201dwithout the private choice of parents. That independent choice breaks any link between church and state.<\/p>\n