Bill allows funding for substance abuse programs at churches

President Clinton has signed a broad spending bill that includes a provision to provide tax funds for religious substance-abuse programs.

The Children’s Health Act of 2000 re-authorizes programs of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

It includes the controversial “charitable choice” initiative, which is supported by a broad bipartisan group of lawmakers but is opposed by groups that support the separation of church and state.

In an Oct. 17 statement accompanying his signature, Clinton highlighted the provision, which makes clear that religious organizations may qualify for federal grants “on the same basis as other nonprofit organizations.”

But, he noted that the Department of Justice has advised “this provision would be unconstitutional to the extent that it were construed to permit governmental funding of organizations that do not or cannot separate their religious activities from their substance-abuse treatment and prevention activities.” (ABP)