President Bush has proposed to eliminate federal regulations that unnecessarily limit access by religious organizations to grant programs administered by HUD. Speaking last week to 1,500 faith-based leaders in Philadelphia, the President said that his proposal was designed to help them serve low-income Americans and revitalize distressed neighborhoods by leveling the playing field with other community-based organizations.

"An organization's faith should not be the yardstick we use to measure its ability to serve families and communities," said Secretary Martinez. "President Bush is making it abundantly clear he intends to end this form of regulatory discrimination so we can focus on which organizations can most effectively provide housing and services to those who need them most."

The proposed rule would remove unwarranted barriers to the equal participation of faith-based organizations in HUD's programs. The objective is to ensure that HUD programs do not discriminate and are open to all qualified applicants, regardless of their religious affiliation. The proposed rule would amend the regulations for the following HUD programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; HOME Investment Partnerships program; Hope for Homeownership of Single-Family Homes; Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA); Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program; Shelter Plus Care; Supportive Housing; and, Youthbuild.

Earlier this year, Secretary Martinez announced that HUD supports the participation of faith-based and community groups in federally funded public housing programs. Martinez authorized approximately 3,200 local housing agencies to institute "an open door policy" for faith-based organizations to provide social services to public housing residents.

In addition, last December the Secretary prohibited local housing agencies from forbidding seasonal religious symbols or displays in federally funded public housing - stressing that HUD regulations do not prohibit such displays in public settings, provided that equal opportunity is provided to organizations of all faiths.

Read the full news announcement.