Fla. law banning Cuba travel, research upheld

MIAMI (AP) -- A federal appellate court has upheld a Florida law that prohibits funding for academic and research travel to nations that are considered "sponsors of terrorism."

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled Tuesday that the state law does not conflict with federal control over foreign policy.

Professors at several state universities filed a lawsuit against the state in 2008. A federal judge in Miami ruled that the law was unconstitutional.

State Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, who supported the 2006 legislation, said the appellate court's decision was a victory for Florida taxpayers who do not want their money going to countries like Cuba.

University of Florida professor Carmen Diana Deere, a plaintiff in the original suit, said the law is a barrier to all levels of research.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)