A federal judge will hear arguments for and against the state’s controversial new law requiring welfare applicants to be drug tested.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of Luis Lebron over the constitutionality of the law.Ā Lebron is a 35-year old Orlando resident, Navy veteran, full-time student and single father. He was recently denied benefits he was otherwiseĀ qualified for because he refused to waive his Fourth Amendment rights and submit to a drug test.

The Associated Press reportsĀ thatĀ ā€the state is being represented by an attorney from the governor’s office.ā€

ManyĀ questions surround the implementation of the law. According to preliminary data, a very small number of applicants are denied benefits because they are testing positive for drug use.Ā Despite the questionable constitutionality and motives for the law, the law isĀ supported by a large number of Floridians.

State Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, has filed legislation that would repeal the drug testing law.

The ACLU is asking the judge to issue a preliminary injunction against the law in court today.

0 Shares:
You May Also Like

Gingrich urges GOP to limit compromise in the ā€˜moral battle’ for the budget

About 200 miles southwest of where lawmakers in Washington, D.C.,Ā still haven’t comprised on a continued spending bill for fiscal year 2011, potential 2012 Republican presidential contender and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich told more than 100 faith-based leaders that House Republicans should not compromise on fundamentals because the budget is a ā€œmoral battle.ā€