By Bill Mears, CNN Supreme Court Producer on June 20, 2013—
“The Supreme Court has ruled the federal government may not deny funds from its global anti-AIDS program to organizations that refuse to actively oppose prostitution.In a 6-2 decision on Thursday, the justices determined the policy requiring fund recipients adhere to a larger message about fighting disease and its root causes was not directly related to the “core” mandate of the AIDS program.
“The Supreme Court has ruled the federal government may not deny funds from its global anti-AIDS program to organizations that refuse to actively oppose prostitution.In a 6-2 decision on Thursday, the justices determined the policy requiring fund recipients adhere to a larger message about fighting disease and its root causes was not directly related to the “core” mandate of the AIDS program.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who wrote the opinion for the majority, said the 2003 law violated the First Amendment. The ruling tosses out the policy.
The case was closely watched by many U.S.-based non-governmental organizations that distribute financial and other assistance overseas.
The decision comes as the justices work toward wrapping up a busy term, likely next week.
Among the big issues yet to be resolved: affirmative action in college admissions; federal enforcement of the Voting Rights Act; and the politically blockbuster constitutionality of same-sex marriage.
The court next meets in public session to release decisions on Monday.”
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