Faith-Based Partnerships (E.O. 13559)

Summary

Creates rules for how the government can work with religious and local groups to provide social services, making sure everyone is treated fairly.

What problem does this solve?

The government needed clear rules for giving money to religious and local groups for social services without breaking laws about church and state. This order sets up principles to ensure these groups get funding without discriminating or using money for religious activities.

What does this order do?

Establishes fundamental principles for partnerships

Outlines rules for federal agencies to follow when giving money to faith-based and neighborhood groups for social service programs, ensuring fairness and efficiency.

Prohibits discrimination against beneficiaries

Forbids organizations receiving federal funds from discriminating against people seeking services based on their religion, religious beliefs, or lack thereof.

Requires referral to an alternative provider

Mandates that if a person objects to the religious character of a service provider, the organization must refer them to a different one in a reasonable amount of time.

Separates religious activities from funded services

Requires that any explicitly religious activities, like worship or religious instruction, must be kept separate in time or location from programs supported by direct federal money.

Creates an interagency working group

Establishes a working group with members from various federal agencies to ensure that all government policies for these partnerships are uniform and consistent.

Allows organizations to keep their religious identity

Permits faith-based groups to keep religious names, symbols, and mission statements, and to select board members on a religious basis, without affecting their eligibility for funding.

Increases transparency

Requires agencies to post their rules, guidance, and a list of all organizations that receive federal money for social service programs online for the public to see.

Amends a previous executive order

Updates and changes Executive Order 13279 from 2002, which dealt with the same topic of equal protection for faith-based organizations.

Who does this affect?

Faith-based and neighborhood organizations
Recipients of social services
Federal agencies

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures fair access to federal funding

Allows faith-based and neighborhood groups to compete for federal money on an equal footing with other organizations. This helps expand the number of groups available to provide social services to people in need.

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Protects people receiving services

Prevents organizations from discriminating against people based on their religion. If someone objects to the religious nature of a provider, they must be referred to a different one.

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Maintains separation of church and state

Prohibits groups from using direct federal funds for religious activities like worship or proselytizing. This helps avoid legal challenges and ensures government money is used only for social services.

When does this start?

This order became effective on November 17, 2010, and includes a specific deadline for a new working group.

Working Group Report

The Interagency Working Group on Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Partnerships must submit a report to the President within 120 days of the order's date.