Gay Rights Group Sues Govenor Over University Funding

FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY - The head of a Kentucky gay-rights group has sued Gov. Ernie Fletcher over his decision to keep $11 million in the state budget for a pharmacy school and scholarships at a private, religiously affiliated college.
Christina Gilgor, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, asked a Franklin Circuit Court judge Tuesday to prevent the state from giving money to University of the Cumberlands.
The funding of a $10 million building and $1 million in scholarships became an issue after the Baptist college in Williamsburg expelled a student for being gay.
The lawsuit said the state constitution prohibits the use of tax money to support religious institutions or entities that discriminate against citizens.
“Gov. Fletcher has failed to uphold his duty to protect Kentucky citizens and enforce the Kentucky constitution,” Gilgor said.
In opting not to veto the money, Fletcher said Monday that he would seek a court opinion on the constitutionality of the funds before releasing any money.
Fletcher spokesman Brett Hall said Tuesday the governor’s aides were studying the lawsuit to determine whether they could use it as a “vehicle” for their own request, which has not been filed.
“It was always our intent for the courts to decide,” said Hall, adding that a decision is expected later Tuesday.
from The Courier-Journal