Legislative Affairs  September 2010  US Religion-Based Groups
Protest Restrictions in Bill  More than 100 religion-based non
profits are protesting a provision in pending legislation that
would prohibit them from receiving federal money if they
consider a job applicant’s religion when hiring. The provision
is in legislation to reauthorize the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration, which makes grants to non profit
social service organizations.  The debate over federal funding
of programs operated by non profits with religious affiliations,
dates back to the Clinton Administration, when it became part of
a welfare overhaul. Organizations are not allowed to
discriminate against clients based on religion, but are allowed
to exercise their religious beliefs in hiring and other aspects
of their operations.