SB97 Alabama 2016 Session

Section 3 of Article I of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 3 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of 1901, as amended, expresses various provisions relating to religious freedom. This section does not include any provision concerning the display of the Ten Commandments.

Section 263 of Article XIV of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 263 of Article XIV of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of 1901, as amended, prohibits public school funds being appropriated to any sectarian or denominational school.

Amendment 622 to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 3.01 of Article I of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of 1901, as amended, the Alabama Religious Freedom Amendment, provides that freedom of religion may not be burdened by state and local law.

This bill would propose a constitutional amendment which would provide that property belonging to the state may be used to display the Ten Commandments and that the right to display the Ten Commandments on property owned or administrated by a public school or public body is not restrained or abridged.

This bill would also provide that every person would be at liberty to worship according to his or her own conscience; and that no person would be compelled to attend or support a place of worship or a minister.

This bill would also provide that the civil and political rights, privileges, and capacities of no person may be diminished or enlarged on account of his or her religious beliefs.

This bill would prohibit the expenditure of public funds in defense of the constitutionality of this amendment.

This bill would specify an election date.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, providing for certain religious rights and liberties; authorizing the display of the Ten Commandments on state property and property owned or administrated by a public school or public body; prohibiting the expenditure of public funds in defense of the constitutionality of this amendment; and specifying an election date.