Federal Workers Get Green Light to Talk Religion at Work

The Trump administration has given federal employees the go-ahead to discuss and promote their religious beliefs at work. This move is part of a broader effort to increase the role of religion in government jobs. A recent memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) says workers can talk about their faith and even try to convince others to see things their way, as long as it doesn't turn into harassment. The memo also says workers can encourage colleagues to join in religious activities, like prayer, if they would also allow other personal activities. When dealing with the public, employees won't be restricted in showing their faith, but agencies can still set rules as long as they don't discriminate based on religion. The memo isn't legally binding, so it's unclear if it will hold up in court. It cites the Civil Rights Act of 1965, which protects against religious discrimination. Past administrations have also allowed religious talk at work, like Clinton in 1997 and Bush in 2003. Earlier this month, the OPM also said workers could adjust their schedules for religious reasons, like prayer or holidays. This is all part of Trump's push to protect religious freedom. He set up a White House office to support faith-based groups and a commission to enforce religious liberty protections. Democrats aren't happy about it. Some lawmakers say Trump's orders threaten religious freedom and could lead to discrimination. They argue the government should stay neutral on religion.