New rule set to benefit religious contractors

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a new rule Dec. 7 intended to allow religious groups to participate equally as federal contractors.

The rule will be effective Jan. 8 and is the latest development in the long-running battle over how to balance religious rights with other, particularly LGBTQ, rights.

The department said the new rule builds on a Johnson-era order that requires contractors to follow affirmative action and nondiscrimination requirements. The rule “acknowledges that religious organizations may prefer in employment ‘individuals of a particular religion,’ so that they can maintain their religious identity and integrity,” the department’s statement said.

Read more at tabonline.org/new-labor-rule.