Charitable Choice requires that social service providers be selected without regard to religion . America is a diverse country, and citizens will never totally agree about the philosophies or faiths that shape government-funded service programs. Because religion cannot be taken into account when awarding grants or contracts, government doesn't have to pick and choose among competing religious groups. This agenda focuses on performance, not privately-held beliefs. The right of religious organizations to make employment decisions on a religious basis is a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 .
Religious autonomy is one of our most precious civil rights.
Faith-based organizations must be able to preserve their religious character and vision by employing those who share the tenets and practices of their faith. When government partners with religious charities for social services, it is not funding job discrimination, but obtaining effective services for the poor and needy. We should use vouchers to fund indivisibly conversion-centered programs in which inherently religious activities constitute the core of the program .