# Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations
> **US Department of Agriculture** · Final rule. · Published 2004-07-09 · Effective 2004-08-09 · 69 FR 41375
## Document
- **Document number:** 04-15678
- **Category:** other
- **Sub-agency:** US Department of Agriculture
- **Federal Register citation:** 69 FR 41375
- **CFR reference:** 7 CFR 16
- **Publication date:** 2004-07-09
- **Effective date:** 2004-08-09
## Abstract

This final rule implements executive branch policy that, within the framework of constitutional church-state guidelines, religiously affiliated (or "faith-based") organizations should be able to compete on an equal footing with other organizations for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance. The final rule revises USDA regulations to remove barriers to the participation of faith-based organizations in USDA programs and to ensure that these programs are implemented in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Constitution, including the religion clauses of the first amendment.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2004/07/09/04-15678/equal-opportunity-for-religious-organizations)
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