Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Inhofe
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) cosponsored the Lifting Local Communities Act, led by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), which would make it easier for faith-based organizations to apply for and receive government grants, as well as other types of funding, without fear of arbitrary religious limitations and vindictive litigation. Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) are also cosponsors of the bill.
“It’s critical that religious organizations be able to keep their federally-funded social services protections, without having to compromise their religious beliefs and actions based on which administration is in office. Faith-based organizations, who serve the most vulnerable among us, deserve the same rights as secular organizations, and should not worry about being stripped of their name, structure or practices because of their beliefs. This bill is vital and would ensure that these organizations’ religious protections remain and would prohibit the government from discriminating against these religious entities any further,” said Inhofe.
“Churches and other faith-based organizations play a vital role in lifting up their communities. These organizations should not be discriminated against because of their faith or held back by bureaucratic red tape. This bill would ensure that faith-based organizations do not have to compromise their beliefs to provide critical social services to those in need,” said Rubio.
“Religious organizations should be allowed to serve their communities without being punished on account of their convictions. This bill will shield organizations helping the most vulnerable from left-wing activists seeking to drive them out of the public square,” said Hawley.
“Every day the Biden administration persists in its efforts to roll back protections for religious organizations. It’s not right. The LIFTING Local Communities Act would protect religious organizations from the unfair policies that make religious organizations subject to requirements that secular organizations don’t have to worry about. This bill would codify the right of faith-based organizations to do their work without the government threatening their religious liberties,” said Hyde-Smith.
“Faith-based organizations are constantly responding to crises within our communities, yet they often face difficulties seeking federal resources. This bill will ensure they do not face federal discrimination for their deeply-held religious beliefs, enabling them to continue uplifting local communities across the nation,” said Tim Scott.
“Faith-based nonprofits serve families and individuals all across our nation as one of our most important social safety nets. The US Supreme Court continues to affirm that faith-based organizations cannot be prohibited from living their faith and partnering with their government simply because of their religious identity. I will continue to champion legislation that seeks to ensure our faith-based nonprofits can serve equally alongside secular entities around the country so no one who needs help is left behind,” said Lankford.
“During my years as both Governor and Florida’s U.S. Senator, I’ve seen the incredible positive impact that faith-based groups and charities have on Florida’s families and communities in times of need. These groups deserve more of our support, not less. The Lifting Local Communities Act ensures that federal grant programs respect the First Amendment and do not unfairly discriminate against religious groups that dedicate themselves to serving others,” said Scott.