California Freedom of Biblically-Based Speech Initiative (2014)

Not on Ballot
This measure was not put on an election ballot

A California Freedom of Biblically-Based Speech Initiative (#13-0014) was approved for circulation in California as a contender for the November 4, 2014, ballot as an initiated constitutional amendment.

The initiative would have:

• Exempt speech based on biblical authority from existing constitutional and statutory restrictions applicable to all other speech, including restrictions against discrimination and hate crimes.
• Prohibit any compelled speech or action if it would be against the speaker's or actor's beliefs based on biblical authority.
• Repeal existing constitutional provision denying protection to acts of religious expression inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State.

Supporters of the initiative referred to it as the "Free Exercise of Religion."

Text of measure

Ballot title:

Bible-Based Speech. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.

Official summary:

"Exempts speech based on biblical authority from existing constitutional and statutory restrictions applicable to all other speech, including restrictions against discrimination and hate crimes. Prohibits any compelled speech or action if it would be against the speaker's or actor's beliefs based on biblical authority. Repeals constitutional provision denying protection to acts of religious expression inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State."

Fiscal impact statement:

Note: The fiscal impact statement for a California ballot initiative authorized for circulation is jointly prepared by the state's legislative analyst and its director of finance.

"Potentially minor increased costs to state and local governments to resolve legal issues pertaining to the effect of the measure."

Path to the ballot

See also: Signature requirements for ballot measures in California

• Allan Esses submitted a letter requesting a ballot title on August 13, 2013.
• A ballot title and summary were issued by California's attorney general's office on October 4, 2013.
• 807,615 valid signatures were required for qualification purposes.
• The 150-day circulation deadline for #13-0014 was March 3, 2014.
• The initiative failed to qualify for the ballot on March 14, 2014.

External links

Suggest a link

• Letter requesting a ballot title for Initiative 13-0014

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This article about a California ballot proposition is a sprout.