HOUSE OK'S BILL ON RELIGIOUS GROUP HIRING PRACTICES: From the Washington Blade

A bill that would allow religious organizations receiving federal funds to maintain anti-gay hiring policies passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month.

The measure, which passed by a 224-200 vote, was approved after the House rejected an amendment that would have protected the civil rights of workers. The Workforce Investment Act, H.R. 27, now moves to the U.S. Senate where its fate is unclear, political experts said. The White House has indicated that should the measure fail in the Senate, the president will issue an executive order. ...

The new measure, if approved by the Senate and signed by President Bush, would enable faith-based groups receiving federal funds to circumvent local and state laws that bar discrimination based on sexual orientation. There is currently no federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, made clear in his March 1 Washington Update newsletter that the new bill is needed to maintain the employment practices of many religious groups.

"The president made clear though that if these protections are not codified into law, the dangers of bias against the faith-based can return in future administrations," Perkins wrote. "Specifically, organizations that oppose homosexuality and abortion often need extra protection when receiving federal aid or using federal facilities. Amazingly, there are those in Congress whose unwarranted fear of anything faith-based is more important than the tremendous good that is done through faith-based organizations." ...

The Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church & State, said social conservatives are demanding "special rights."

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posted by Eve at 5:01 PM | link

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