Republican Platform Includes Plank for Religious Social-Service Groups

The Republican National Committee, in its official 2008 platform, is reinforcing its stand that religious organizations providing social services be able to participate fully in government programs without having to downplay their beliefs or become subject to government hiring practices.

The platform, approved as part of Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., says attempts by the government to impose rules on hiring practices amount to religious discrimination.

“We affirm every citizen’s right to apply religious values to public policy and the right of faith-based organizations to participate fully in public programs without renouncing their beliefs, removing religious objects or symbols, or becoming subject to government hiring practices,” the platform says.

The party also calls for the permanent discontinuation of the federal estate tax, reaffirms the right of charities to be exempt from taxes, and commends colleges that are directing an increased percentage of their endowments to lowering tuition costs for students.

Earlier: Democrats Propose Federal Funds for Charities.