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ACLU of Florida Available for Local Comment on President Bush's
Executive Order on Faith-Based Initiatives
MIAMI ? Saying President George W. Bush's Executive Order directing federal agencies to make tax dollars available to religious organizations is unnecessary and dangerous, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon criticized the President's plan as "government-funded religion and a formula for discrimination in employment."
"For years, our government has been dependant upon religiously-affiliated organizations to provide social services throughout the United States, so why change a current system that works so well," added Simon. "Organizations such as Catholic Charities or Lutheran Social Services have successfully operated under current contractual requirements that prohibit religious proselytizing and discrimination against people who don't share their same faith. Without these standards in place, we're basically saying it's OK for government to fund religious practices."
Rather than wait for legislators to approve legislation that has been stalled in the Senate, President Bush issued a sweeping executive order today directing federal agencies to let religious charities compete for social service grants. His plan removes federal guidelines for professional services performed by religious organizations. As a result, religious groups would be able to decide who gets priority for services and what services are actually provided.
Previously, religious organizations receiving federal funds were required by law to establish separate accounting agencies and abide by civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination. In addition, Bush's plan would allow religious organization to discriminate in their hiring practices based on religious beliefs and teachings about race, religion, sexual orientation, gender and pregnancy status.
For additional comment on this issue, including examples of how this plan would lead to more harm than good, call Howard Simon, Executive Director, at 305-576-2337 ext. 16.
