Daines Statement on Montana School Choice, Religious Freedom SCOTUS Ruling

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision ruling in favor of the three Montana mothers, a major win for Montana families, in the Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue case—one of the most important equal protection and religious freedom cases in recent history.  

Daines SCOTUS 06.30.20

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“I’m very glad the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to overturn the State of Montana’s discriminatory action and support three Montana mothers who were trying to do what’s best for their children’s education,” Daines said. “Today is a major victory across Montana and the country for religious liberty. Religious discrimination has no place in our country.”

In late January, Daines was personally invited by Supreme Court Justice Thomas to attend oral arguments for Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue at the United States Supreme Court.

The Montana Department of Revenue refused to implement a program that allowed Montanans to receive a tax credit for contributing to a privately run scholarship program.

Three Montana mothers applied for these scholarships to keep their children enrolled in Stillwater Christian School, in Kalispell, but the Montana Department of Revenue cited the state’s Blaine Amendment to discriminate against the parents and their children based on the school they chose and the religious affiliation of the school.

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