Baptist Press:
WASHINGTON (BP) — The House Armed Services Committee has approved an amendment to ensure faith-based ministries can continue to serve America’s men and women in uniform.
“We need to level the playing field; we have a First Amendment and it says ‘the free exercise thereof,”‘ said Rep. Steve Russell, R-Okla., who introduced the amendment during an annual defense bill mark-up. “This rule affirms prior policy that faith-based organizations are no less eligible than secular organizations to deliver federally funded services.”
Nearly two years ago, President Obama issued an executive order barring federal contractors from considering sexuality and gender identity when making hiring decisions. The president and pro-homosexual advocates hailed it as a way to eradicate discrimination in the workplace, but the action had far-reaching implications that are still unfolding for faith groups working with federal agencies.