FEMA Will Give Disaster Relief to Churches, New Policy Guide States
"FEMA is getting rid of second-class status for churches."
By Liberty McArtor Published on January 3, 2018
https://stream.org/fema-disaster-relief-churches/
Churches affected by recent hurricanes are eligible for federal aid, FEMA announced Tuesday. The announcement appeared in the foreward of FEMA's new policy guide.
"Private nonprofit houses of worship will not be singled out for disfavored treatment," the first sentence states.
Becket, a religious liberty law firm, celebrated the news in a press release. Becket represents three Texas churches and two Florida synagogues damaged by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The houses of worship sued FEMA over its old policy. It denied disaster relief to religious organizations.
"By finally following the Constitution, FEMA is getting rid of second-class status for churches," Becket attorney Daniel Bloomberg said.
Explaining the policy change, FEMA cited the
2017 Supreme Court Trinity Lutheran case. Last June, the court ruled that governments could not discriminate against religious institutions that qualify for public aid.
The decision was viewed as a major victory for religious freedom. .....