Equal Access for Religious Groups to Federal Social Service Funding.
This law ensures religious organizations can compete equally for federal funding to provide essential social services like childcare, job training, and housing assistance. The goal is to expand service options for individuals and families in need by preventing discrimination against providers based on their religious character. Crucially, if a beneficiary objects to a religious provider, the government must offer a comparable, non-religious alternative service.
Key points
Religious organizations must be treated the same as secular groups when applying for federal grants and contracts for social service programs.
Providers can maintain their religious identity, including displaying symbols and hiring based on religious tenets, while using federal funds.
Individuals receiving aid have the right to request and receive a referral to an alternative, comparable service if they object to the religious nature of the provider.
Existing religious exemptions granted under other federal laws remain protected even when the organization accepts government funding.
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