The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is raising strong objections to a proposed regulation by the De-partment of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would impose strict anti-discrimination policies based on sexual orienta-tion and self-declared gender identity. The bishops argue the rule could force Catholic organi-zations to either compromise their religious beliefs or forfeit contra-cts with the federal agency.
The HHS draft rule mandates compliance with non-discrimina-tion policies for entities seeking federal contracts. It lacks specific definitions of what constitutes ‘discrimination’ and omits religious exemptions. Critics contend that this ambiguity could lead to mandates requiring Catholic entities to perform gender transition surgeries, provide hormone treatments, or deliver affirming counselling services–actions at odds with their religious convictions. The regulation would im-pact Catholic hospitals involved in Medicare and Medicaid, as well as organizations engaged in social services like adoption, foster care, and immigration assistance, areas where Catholic agencies have traditionally been significant contributors.
In a detailed public comment, the USCCB called on HHS to abandon the proposal, emphasizing the lack of clarity in its im-plementation and the potential conflict with constitutional protections for religious freedom.