The Trump administration is continuing its relentless attacks on civil rights with a new rule that would allow recipients of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funding to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals in the course of their taxpayer-funded services.

Particularly distressing is the fact that this proposed rule will allow adoption and foster child-placement agencies to refuse to help LGBTQ children and parents. This rule permits HHS to choose safeguarding bigoted practices over supporting needy children.

The proposed rule change would remove LGBTQ anti-discrimination protections from its basic grant recipient requirement based on an organization’s alleged religious beliefs. Besides the fact that organizations do not possess religious beliefs to exercise — humans have religious beliefs, not companies — Americans should never be forced to fund discrimination, which is precisely what happens when taxpayer funds are awarded to an entity that uses the funds to discriminate. HHS is requesting public comments on this proposed rule change and it is important that it hears from you in opposition.

Click here to read FFRF’s full comment opposing the proposed rule change.

The public comment period on these HHS rules is open until Thursday, Dec. 19. Please join FFRF in opposing this dangerous rule change allowing for the elimination of civil rights protections for LGBTQ people. Click on the red “Take Action!” link below. You will be taken to the regulations.gov comment page where you can then fill out the prompt provided. Comments must be identified by RIN 0991-AC16. It just takes a minute or two for your voice to be heard.

TAKE ACTION!

TALKING POINTS

I strongly oppose the Department of Health and Human Services proposed rule change (RIN 0991-AC16) allowing taxpayer-funded entities, such as adoption and foster care agencies, to discriminate based on their so-called religious beliefs.

Besides the fact that organizations do not possess religious beliefs to exercise — humans have religious beliefs, not companies — Americans should never be forced to fund discrimination, which is precisely what happens when taxpayer funds are awarded to an entity that uses the funds to discriminate.

The department should be working toward serving more children and families in need rather than catering to discriminatory religious organizations.