Do not discriminate on the basis of religion or religious belief in hiring and firing when the program is tax-funded. It is legally questionable and ethically wrong to accept taxpayer funds for certain positions and then to fire or refuse to hire certain taxpayers because they are not the right religion or do not hold the right religious beliefs. One court has already held that the Salvation Army could not fire a Wiccan because she was paid substantially with tax funds. 1 Serve all clients equally, regardless of their religious beliefs. In all tax-funded activities, refrain from asking about clients religion or religious beliefs.
Every citizen is entitled to equal access to tax benefits.
An organization is legally prohibited from discriminating on the basis of religion in the provision of tax-funded benefits. Ensure that clients know they have the right to seek services from a secular provider. This is the legal responsibility of the state, but it has ethical dimensions as well. Don't wait until clients object. Let them know from the moment they walk in the door that wholly secular alternatives are available and that you will help them access these alternatives if they so desire.