Skip to main content

Executive orders could make faith groups forgo federal contracts

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama’s executive orders barring federal contractors from discriminating against gay and transgender employees will still allow religious contractors to only employ people of their own faith, but some critics view that exemption as inadequate.

Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council says there could be challenges brought by people who say, “I’m a member of your church but I’m changing my gender identity” or “I’m engaged in a committed homosexual relationship.”

The executive orders would appear to bar religious federal contractors from requiring employees to abide by their church’s moral teachings.

Sprigg believes some religious charities will now steer clear of federal contracts, separating needy people from effective service providers.

Sound: Upcoming

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Hail to the chief: Take our presidential trivia quiz

EDITOR'S NOTE: WTOP first brought you this quiz in 2019. Presidents Day is coming. How well do you know the less-important facts about the nation's leaders? Take WTOP's quiz — with any luck, it won't take you all Presidents Day to finish it.
Read Next Story