“Discrimination should never be funded or supported by our government, but that’s exactly what this rule does. Families, senior citizens and children could lose protections against discrimination and suddenly be turned away from taxpayer-funded programs they need," said AU CEO Rachel Laser.

Americans United agrees with city officials that nondiscrimination is an important principle in government-sponsored programs.

“Our government has a duty to protect vulnerable children in the foster care system and ensure they are placed in safe homes with loving families,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United. “Taxpayer-funded child-placement agencies should never be allowed to use religious litmus tests to turn away qualified parents who are the ‘wrong’ religion or are LGBTQ."