Biden administration finalizes rule on religious liberty protections

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Nine agencies of the Biden administration have finalized a new rule that officials say will improve religious freedom.

As Religions News Service(RNS) reported the rule protects the rights of beneficiaries of social services funded by the government.

In particular, the rule will affect those receiving help from the many social service providers that are faith-based and will ensure providers cannot withhold help based on faith affiliation nor require beneficiaries to participate in any religious activity in order to receive help.

The rule restores some religious freedom protections that were rescinded by the Trump administration that also affected people seeking job search and job training assistance, housing services and academic enrichment.

It also clarifies that faith-based organizations should be able to compete equally with secular providers for awards while keeping their religious character.

The 187-page rule is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Monday.

One of the key protections is a requirement that organizations receiving federal grants for U.S. social service programs inform beneficiaries of their right to not be discriminated against on the basis of their religion.

Another key aspect of the rule is the encouragement of government agencies funding U.S. programs to aid beneficiaries in locating alternative providers in their region that are more compatible with their beliefs and also are federally funded.