During the 1990s, the federal government and many states began aggressively promoting the idea that religious groups, backed by taxpayer funding, could serve as agents of the government in tackling various social problems such as poverty, substance use disorders, homelessness, chronic unemployment and others.

“When it comes to balancing the welfare of children in need of loving homes with the interests of government contractors paid to work with the foster parents who will provide those homes, there is no contest,” said Americans United Legal Director Richard B. Katskee. “The Supreme Court should affirm that the Constitution’s promise of religious freedom does not confer a right to harm others."