Bill > HR8117

This bill, titled the "Fair Treatment of Religious Organizations Act of 2026," aims to ensure that religious organizations are treated fairly when seeking or receiving federal financial assistance and when determining their tax-exempt status. Specifically, it amends Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code to clarify that an organization's religious purpose for tax exemption should be determined without considering its beliefs or practices regarding marriage, sexuality, or gender identity, even if those beliefs are inconsistent with current law or public policy, and a belief does not lose its status as religious simply because it's not central to a religion. Furthermore, the bill prohibits federal government branches, departments, or agencies from discriminating against or disadvantaging religious employers that apply for or receive federal grants, loans, or other financial assistance due to employment actions or practices consistent with their right to employ individuals who share their religious beliefs and adhere to their religious standards, referencing existing legal protections like those in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.