Equal Treatment in Department of Labor Programs for Faith-Based and Community Organizations; Protection of Religious Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries

Consistent with constitutional guidelines, this final rule clarifies that faith-based and community organizations may participate in the United States Department of Labor (DOL or the Department) social service programs without regard to the organizations' religious character or affiliation, and are able to apply for and compete on an equal footing with other eligible organizations to receive DOL support. In addition, in order to consolidate the Department's regulations on religious activities, this final rule revises the Employment and Training Administration's (ETA) regulation on religious services at Job Corps centers and the Department's Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) regulations relating to the use of WIA Title I financial assistance to support employment and training in religious activities, and employment at specified locations defined with reference to certain religious activities. The U.S. Department of Labor supports the participation of faith-based and community organizations in its social service programs.