Kentucky Fairness Alliance Statement on Governor Fletcher's Failure to Veto University of the Cumberlands Funding
April 25, 2006

Frankfort --- Fair-minded Kentuckians everywhere are disappointed that the Gov. Ernie Fletcher chose to support subsidizing discrimination with our state tax dollars. The Governor had a sworn oath under the Kentucky Constitution to execute the laws faithfully and he has neglected that responsibility by failing to veto the $11 million for the University of the Cumberlands.

The appropriation is unconstitutionally discriminatory. Sections 2 and 3 of our state constitution forbid the use of state tax money for any program that discriminates against Kentucky citizens and treats them unequally.

The appropriation is also unconstitutionally supportive of religion. Sections 5 and 189 of our state constitution clearly prohibit compulsory contributions of state tax dollars for any religious dogma or to private, sectarian schools.

Gov. Fletcher has failed to uphold his duty to protect Kentucky citizens and enforce the Kentucky Constitution. Based on his public statements, Gov. Fletcher’s plan to get judicial approval for these appropriations is a sham.

Accordingly, Kentucky Fairness Alliance Executive Director Christina Gilgor, as an individual taxpayer adversely affected by this unconstitutional appropriation, will file suit to challenge the $11 million to the University of the Cumberlands. Attorney David Tachau of Louisville will lead the legal team.

The Kentucky Fairness Alliance supports any genuine effort to resolve the constitutional issues at hand through the courts. But we reject Gov. Ernie Fletcher's apparent attempt to undermine legal precedent and circumvent the Kentucky Constitution in service to conservative extremists. The Governor has already stripped gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender state employees of job protections; now he seems eager to deny GLBT students equal opportunity in education.