DOL Finalizes Rule Undoing Trump-Era Religious Contractor Policy

The US Department of Labor finalized a regulation rescinding a Trump-era rule that broadened religious exemptions federal contractors can raise to shield themselves from liability for discrimination.

The DOL’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs published the regulation (RIN: 1250-AA09) in the Federal Register on Tuesday. The rule had been under review by the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs since July.

The Trump administration rule, which took effect in January 2021, has been subject to lawsuits from states and unions, who say the regulation would weaponize religious liberties and weaken anti-bias laws. Supporters of ...