HUD Issues Final Rule Extending Religious Liberty Protections To Beneficiaries Of HUD Programs And Activities
Press Release
Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a final rule that provides new religious liberty protections for beneficiaries of its programs and activities. In addition, HUD's new rule ensures that faith-based providers can compete for government funds on the same basis as any other private organization.
For example, the beneficiary of child care carried out by a faith-based organization with direct HUD funds under the Department's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program must be notified in writing that he or she cannot be discriminated against based on religion; cannot be required to attend or participate in any privately funded religious activities that are offered separate from the CDBG-funded program or activities; and may request an alternative provider if the beneficiary objects to the religious character of the organization. At the same time, the regulations require that all decisions about Federal financial assistance be based solely on merit, without regard to an organization's religious character, affiliation or lack thereof. The regulations formally implement Executive Order 13559. Other Federal agencies are also publishing final regulations that apply to programs and activities that they fund.
"These regulations build on widespread agreement that we can and should do more to protect the religious liberty of beneficiaries and provide greater clarity and transparency about applicable church-state rules," said Melissa Rogers, Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. "These reforms will strengthen partnerships that serve people in need, and we commend the agencies for working together to issue these final regulations."
HUD Secretary Julián Castro added, "These new regulations strengthen religious liberty protections for beneficiaries across HUD programs and help eligible faith-based applicants to compete for HUD funding on an equal footing. As HUD seeks to help build ladders of opportunity for all Americans, these new protections benefit both grantees and beneficiaries."
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