Congressman Blake Moore introduced legislation on Mar. 27 to protect the tax-exempt status of faith-based organizations and ensure their ability to apply religious standards in employment without risking federal funding or contracts.
The proposed Fair Treatment of Religious Organizations Act aims to prevent federal agencies from conditioning tax benefits or funding eligibility on a religious organization’s willingness to alter its positions regarding marriage, sexual conduct, or gender identity policies. Supporters say the measure is intended to provide statutory protections for religious groups amid recent legal and regulatory changes affecting how such organizations operate.
Moore said, “I’m immensely proud to represent one of the most religious and charitable states in the nation—and that overlap is no coincidence. Churches across our state and country contribute billions of dollars to the economy by providing health care, housing, and a wide range of social services. They also strengthen our communities by helping Americans find purpose and meaning. The Fair Treatment of Religious Organizations Act protects religious beliefs and practices and prevents the government from weaponizing tax-exempt status or federal funding eligibility against these organizations.”
Several national faith-based organizations have voiced support for the bill. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, “The Church … appreciates the leadership on the Fair Treatment of Religious Organization Act. The bill addresses gaps in federal law and affirms the First Amendment’s requirement of equal treatment for religious and secular organizations… We urge Congress to enact it.” Margaret Luculano, President of Christian Employers Alliance, stated, “On behalf of Christian Employers Alliance … I thank Congressman Moore for introducing this critical legislation… Our members are already under constant assault from frivolous litigation… Congress must act now…”
The introduction comes as some faith-based groups express concern about possible future attempts by administrations to revoke their tax-exempt status based on adherence or non-adherence to executive orders related to marriage or sexuality issues. For example, after an IRS investigation into Harvard University’s tax-exempt status was initiated in 2025 due in part to concerns over antisemitism compliance with executive orders—including E.O. 14188—faith-based communities have raised alarms about similar actions being taken against them in future scenarios.
In Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), the Supreme Court held that Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity but acknowledged tensions with protections for religious employers under existing law.
Blake Moore has served as U.S. Representative for Utah’s 1st District since 2021 according to congressional records. He succeeded Rob Bishop when he took office as reported by Ballotpedia. Moore was born in Ogden, Utah in 1980; he is currently 42 years old and resides in Salt Lake City according to Deseret News. He graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in 2005 according to university alumni records.
Supporters argue that passing this legislation would provide clear standards protecting faith-based entities regardless of shifting administrative interpretations or legal battles over time.
