Denver, Colo., Jan 31, 2008 / 16:38 pm
Several faith-based organizations are protesting a proposed Colorado law that would forbid charities which receive government funds from using religious-based hiring standards.
Ten organizations gathered on the steps of the state capitol on Wednesday, including the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver, the Protestant-evangelical group Focus on the Family, and Avista Adventist Hospital, run by the Seventh-day Adventists. They expressed their opposition to House Bill 1080, calling it "a drastic departure from Colorado state law." The bill removes religious organizations’ existing exemption from anti-discrimination measures if the organizations accept government funding.
Christopher Rose, CEO of Catholic Charities of Denver, said the organization “would seriously look at ending our partnerships with all governments” if the bill passes, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Rose said refusing government funding would mean the charity would have to close a homeless shelter for veterans and end childcare and mental health counseling programs for the working poor
Catholic Charities, the region’s largest private, nonprofit social services provider, uses $12.7 million in government funds, out of a total budget of $30 million.