Discrimination in Social Services

Help Americans United Stop The Trump Administration’s Latest Assault On Religious Freedom

  Rob Boston

In its latest attack on separation of church and state and Americans’ rights, the Trump administration last month announced a series of proposed regulations that would target the most vulnerable members of our society – people who get social services at taxpayer-funded religious organizations.

People who need these services are often at a difficult point in their lives. They may be unemployed, experiencing homelessness or grappling with drug or alcohol use disorder. What these people need and deserve is help – not a sermon.

Yet under these proposed regulations, members of vulnerable populations may be subjected to unwanted proselytism – or denied services entirely. Trump wants to change the rules in eight federal agencies so that “faith-based” organizations could discriminate against certain people yet still receive millions in taxpayer dollars.

Maggie Garrett, AU’s vice president for public policy, pointed out recently that these new proposed rules would:

  • Eliminate religious freedom protections, including requirements to notify people of their rights or offer people an alternative provider.
  • Open the door to government-funded discrimination and create more hurdles for vulnerable people who could be forced to choose between their religious beliefs and accessing the services they need.
  • Likely harm LGBTQ people, women, religious minorities and the nonreligious the most.

Furthermore, these proposed regulations could have a broad reach, affecting programs for housing, food, substance use treatment, counseling, veterans’ services, care for the elderly and more.

Americans United is opposing these new regulations, and we need your help. The release of the rules started a 30-day public comment period, which ends soon. By clicking here, you can submit your public comment opposing these regulations. We’ve created a simple, one-click tool for you to use – and please add a few words of personalization to your message for added impact.

This latest administration attack on religious freedom for vulnerable Americans is unacceptable. Please help Americans United send that message today.

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