Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Endorses Amendments 6 & 8

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Citizens for Religious Freedom and Non-Discrimination and Citizens for Protecting Taxpayers and Parental Rights:

Citing appreciation from both personal and professional perspectives,  Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today endorsed Amendments 6 and 8 on the November ballot.

Amendment 6, which would prohibit use of public funds for abortion or health care insurance coverage that includes abortion with certain exceptions, would align Florida law and Federal law. 

"That is prudent, appropriate and in keeping with the wishes of a majority of people whether pro choice or pro life and this has been demonstrated by many national surveys," said Atwater.  "And, as the father of four, I fully subscribe to that aspect of the amendment that will open the door to future legislation requiring parental consent for a minor to receive an abortion."

Amendment 8, also known as the Religious Freedom Amendment, would preserve the important partnerships between state government and countless social service programs provided by religious organizations. 

"Those services must continue to be delivered.  They serve many of Florida's most needy at a time of significant economic challenge," said Atwater.  "Additionally passage of the amendment will finally rid our constitution of the antiquated and arcane Blaine Amendment which potentially threatens these important and cost-effective programs.

"Support of our electorate will eliminate discrimination against churches and institutions which provide these services today and those that would seek to do so in the future.   It is wrong to limit these proven providers simply because they are religious, "he said.

"I urge my fellow Floridians to say 'yes' on both Amendment 6 and Amendment 8 as they cast their ballots," Atwater concluded.

Additional information on Amendment 6 is available at www.sayyeson6.com and Amendment at www.sayyeson8.com.

Contact: Lesley S. Bateman
[email protected]
813.849.0076

SOURCE Citizens for Protecting Taxpayers and Parental Rights; Citizens for Religious Freedom and Non-Discrimination