Obama kicks off his Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships - and it's vague on protections

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 2/5/09 at 3:10pm

(UPDATE: Reactions are coming in; they are below the fold.)

Here we go -- the President has just released his plans for the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The main bone of contention here (aside from whether the government should be doing this at all, that's a different topic), is how faith-based discrimination in hiring and firing is going to be handled, since there are no federal protections for LGBTs. This was the response during the campaign:

In answer to a reporter's question, Obama said federal anti-discrimination laws do not cover discrimination based on sexual orientation. But Obama said he believes local laws in some states prohibiting discrimination against gays would apply to faith-based social programs funded with federal money in those states.

Well, that doesn't do those of us in states where there are no protections, and the Obama administration knows that.

I have received the White House press release on the announcement, and look at the vague language regarding equal protection:

As the priorities of this Office are carried out, it will be done in a way that upholds the Constitution - by ensuring that both existing programs and new proposals are consistent with American laws and values. The separation of church and state is a principle President Obama supports firmly - not only because it protects our democracy, but also because it protects the plurality of America's religious and civic life. The Executive Order President Obama will sign today strengthens this by adding a new mechanism for the Executive Director of the Office to work through the White House Counsel to seek the advice of the Attorney General on difficult legal and constitutional issues.

Another major issue for the LGBT community has been the prospect of anti-gay orgs using tax dollars to proselytize or provide services that are detrimental to the community. Back in July of last year when Obama proposed the program, Obama's Director of the LGBT Vote, Dave Noble, told the Blend that "under no circumstances will funds from the program will be granted to FBOs for proselytizing or reparative therapy."

As I said back at the time, since Barack Obama cannot change federal law himself, at the very least a public statement announcing that Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in hand with his intention to firmly back a swift passage of an inclusive ENDA is called for. It would then highlight the injustices that a program like this illuminates. I
It would also signal to all FBOs seeking federal funds that the days of legal discrimination in hiring because of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression are coming to a close.

Of course the announcement mentions none of this. The full release from the White House is below the fold.
More here