Bush proposes end of HUD regulations against faith-based groups

President Bush proposed an end to federal regulations that unnecessarily limit religious organizations' access to grant programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Bush told 1,500 faith-based leaders in Philadelphia Dec. 12 that his proposal is designed to place them on an equal footing with other community-based organizations that serve low-income Americans and revitalize distressed neighborhoods.

"An organization's faith should not be the yardstick we use to measure its ability to serve families and communities," said HUD Secretary Mel Martinez. "President Bush is making it abundantly clear he intends to end this form of regulatory discrimination so we can focus on which organizations can most effectively provide housing and services to those who need them most."

The proposed rule would remove unwarranted barriers to the equal participation of faith-based organizations in HUD's programs.

The objective is to ensure that HUD programs do not discriminate and are open to all qualified applicants, regardless of their religious affiliation. The proposed rule would amend the regulations for the following HUD programs: Community Develop-ment Block Grant program; HOME Investment Partnerships program; Hope for Homeownership of Single-Family Homes; Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS; Emergency Shelter Grant program; Shelter Plus Care; Supportive Housing; and, Youthbuild.

The proposed rule would:

make certain that qualifying organizations are eligible to participate in HUD programs without regard to their religious character or affiliation;

make it clear that participating organizations may not use HUD funds to support inherently religious activities such as worship, religious instruction or proselytizing;

clarify that HUD funds may not be used for the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of structures to the extent those structures are used for inherently religious activities;

allow religious organizations that participate in HUD programs to retain their independence and continue to carry out their mission, provided that they do not use HUD funds to support inherently religious activities.

prohibit participating religious organizations from discriminating against any program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion or religious belief; and

remove regulations that single out religious organizations by requiring they conduct eligible program activities in a manner that is "free from religious influences." Currently no such requirement applies to nonreligious organizations.

Among other things, HUD-funded religious organizations will not be required to remove religious art, icons or symbols from their facilities as a condition of funding, and they may continue to select their board members on a religious basis.

Earlier this year, Martinez announced that HUD supports the participation of faith-based and community groups in federally funded public housing programs. Martinez authorized approximately 3,200 local housing agencies to institute "an open door policy" for faith-based organizations to provide social services to public housing residents.

In addition, Martinez prohibited local housing agencies in 2001 from forbidding seasonal religious symbols or displays in federally funded public housing, stressing that HUD regulations do not prohibit such displays in public settings, provided that equal opportunity is provided to organizations of all faiths.