U.S. agencies set up final rules protecting religious liberty of beneficiaries, providers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with eight other federal agencies, has issued rules that protect the religious liberty of the beneficiaries of federally-funded social service programs. These new rules likewise enable faith-based providers to compete for government funding just like other organizations.

"Today's regulations not only protect the religious liberties of USDA customers, but also reflect the concerns of our community and faith-based partners," Norah Deluhery, Director of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at USDA, said in the press on the USDA website. "Faith-based organizations support the delivery of critical safety nets that improve quality of life for many. Today's reforms will strengthen these services while reflecting the constitutional principles that define our nation."

Under these new rules, the federal agencies are required to make decisions regarding financial assistance based solely on merit, regardless of the organization's religious affiliation, and that these faith-based organizations have the same eligibility as private organizations when it comes to participating in social service programs.

Meanwhile, organizations that get federal funding should not discriminate against beneficiaries based on their religious affiliation, belief, or practice. These beneficiaries are to be given written notice that they cannot be discrimated against because of religion, and they cannot be forced to participate in religious activities outside of the federally funded program. These religious activities are to be done separately from the government's program. Beneficiaries are also allowed to request for another provider if they do not agree with the religious character of the current one.

The rules implement Executive Order 13559 titled "Fundamental Principles and Policymaking Criteria for Partnerships With Faith-based and Other Neighborhood Organizations," signed by President Barack Obama in 2010.

Apart from the Department of Agriculture, the other federal agencies that are implenting these rules are: the Department of Justice; the Department of Health and Human Services; the Department of Labor; the Department of Veterans Affairs; the Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Department of Education; the Department of Homeland Security; and the Agency of International Development. These rules will take effect 30 days following its April 4 publication in  the Federal Register.