Lutheran Services in America, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army are all faith-based charities that have succeeded in separating religious content from the delivery of an array of social services. In contrast, charitable choice would permit public funds to be used to support programs that have pervasive religious content. Public funding of such programs furthers those particular religious teachings. Tax dollars that support the social service elements of religious programs free up funds to support religious proselytization. Some Christian taxpayers could be equally dismayed to find their taxes supporting Wiccan religious practices.
Charitable choice presents other problems.
Social service program clients do not always participate voluntarily. Sometimes their involvement is mandated by judges as a condition of probation or as an alternative to juvenile detention. If religiously-based programs are included on the list of approved programs for referral, both adults and children, unaware of their rights, could be forced to participate in programs whose teachings violate these individuals' beliefs. Although charitable choice language gives beneficiaries a right to object to a placement, the language does not ensure that beneficiaries are aware of this right, nor can it ensure that they feel free to exercise the right to object to a placement. Religious organizations are exempt from employment non-discrimination laws.