announced Thursday that it was rescinding what it called inappropriate and overly broad religious exemption waivers made by the Trump administration.Advocates say the waivers allowed states and child welfare agencies to discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and religion.The department, in a press release, said it was reestablishing a long-held practice of providing exemptions on a case-by-case basis — as necessary and as is legally required by the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act.
It said that it reaffirmed its commitment to provide its services without discrimination — including not discriminating against LGBTQ+ people in taxpayer-paid initiatives.“Today's action supports the bedrock American principle and a core.