Intersections: Public Comment Windows, Religious Exemptions & You
Posted 1/27/2020 · 0 Comments
This month's Intersections column digs into something that sounds painfully dull: the public comment windows attached to proposed rule and policy changes. If that phrase made your attention wander, stay with us a moment — it matters far more than it sounds.
Dry as it is, the federal rulemaking process (and its state-level counterparts) touches every American. When Congress passes a law creating an agency, that body gains authority over a wide range of loosely defined issues in its jurisdiction. An agency can then craft a rule or policy with real impact on citizens without any new law being passed. Since most agencies sit within the Executive Branch, they take on new leadership and priorities from whichever administration is in power. One of the checks and balances keeping this from swinging too far is the requirement that proposed rule changes be posted for public comment — at minimum 30 days, with 60 days as the standard. In theory, the agency reads every comment and adjusts the proposed rule where the feedback reveals consistent problems.
That context sets up the current situation. On January 17, 2020, eight federal agencies posted proposed rules* that would let "faith-based" organizations legally discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals (or anyone they deem immoral) while still receiving federal funding. Those proposals were posted for only 30 days — the bare minimum allowed. Fortunately, the National Women's Law Center took the lead in sending a letter to these agencies arguing that the proposals are significant enough to warrant at least the standard 60-day comment window. NEAT is proud to sign on in support, given the enormous impact these rules would have on LGBTQ+ people.
These moves implement President Trump's Executive Order 13831 — another attempt by this administration to cloak hostility toward our community in a thin layer of religious freedom. We've watched this theory play out before, as in the well-known Masterpiece Cakeshop case in Colorado, and it has picked up footholds around the country. The current proposals are insidious in a different way: they would steer your tax dollars toward organizations that don't recognize you as a full citizen.
Here's a simple way to take direct action, on your own or with your circle: whether or not the comment period is extended, you can submit your feedback on these proposed changes straight to the agencies at the site below or through the individual links.
Submit a Public CommentThis is civic duty beyond the ballot box, and the more people who engage, the better off the United States will be now and down the road.
Sadly, there's plenty of evidence the current administration largely disregards public comments and pushes ahead with outcome-driven rule changes. In one immigration reform case before the Supreme Court, medical scholars noted that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ignored the bulk of more than 266,000 public comments. Even so, it remains important for comments to be on record — as an individual voice and on behalf of similar people who stay silent. Even if the administration ignores them, they help when a court reviews a proposed rule in litigation, or when a future administration revisits it.
*Proposed Rules
- Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in DHS's Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831
- Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations in U.S. Department of Agriculture Programs: Implementation of Executive Order 13831
- AQ75-Joint Proposed Rule-Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in Veterans Affairs Programs: Implementation of Executive Order 13831
- Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in USAID's Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831
- Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in the Department of Labor's Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831
- Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in Department of Justice's Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831
- Ensuring Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations
- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Direct Grant Programs, State-Administered Formula Grant Programs, Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, and Strengthening Institutions Program
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Share on TwitterView CommentsNEAT Phone Banks for Full Nondiscrimination Protections for LGBTQ+ Virginians
Posted 1/15/2020 · 0 Comments · by Jeff B. White
It's hard to believe that in 2020 only 20 states offer comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people. That's why we're excited to share that NEAT has joined the Virginia Values Coalition and its campaign to change that. With your help and support, we can do the work needed to make Virginia the 21st state to offer these protections.
"We're excited because having NEAT on our team is going to give Virginians an easy and powerful way to show their support for comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people," said Karl Bach of the Virginia Values Coalition.
Today, Virginians can be fired, denied housing, and kicked out of public places (like hospitals and restaurants) simply for being LGBTQ+. This bill would not only fix that, it would also add or improve protections in these areas for women, veterans, people with disabilities and more. NEAT will run all the remote phone banks and house parties, manage all the remote volunteers, as well as support and coordinate all the in person phone banks — and we need your help to succeed.
"We're honored to be a part of this critical campaign to protect LGBTQ+ people in Virginia," said Brian Silva, NEAT Founder and Executive Director. "Together we can make a difference in the lives of all Virginians who have faced discrimination for who they are."
Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Passing these protections is an important step to achieving that in Virginia and we need your help to succeed. Sign up to make calls from home or host a house party at a time that works for you, or donate to help us continue this work. Together we can win!
Read the Virginia Campaign LaunchShare on TwitterView CommentsVolunteer Spotlight: Meet Jackie
Posted 1/4/2026 · 0 Comments
Volunteer Spotlight is our monthly showcase of NEAT volunteers. From our Core Team to our Communications team, NEAT volunteers are the backbone of the work that we do.
- NAME: Jackie
- PRONOUNS: She/her/her
- Age: 20
- City & State: New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA
Tell us about yourself outside of NEAT volunteering! (e.g. work, family, hobbies)
I'm an aspiring stage actor studying in Philadelphia, but I was born in New York! I was raised by my two moms, and we have a little dog named Luna. Aside from acting, I also really enjoy photography and learning American Sign Language.
What's your connection to LGBTQ+ justice work
Besides being raised by lesbians, my parents are actually big activists in LGBTQ+ justice work themselves! So I was quite literally raised going to rallies and fundraisers. In addition, I'm queer, as are many of my friends, so it's important for my whole family to make sure we have the rights we deserve.
What is your volunteer role(s) at NEAT? What inspired you to get involved?
I make most of the graphics.
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NEAT's blog keeps you connected to the work: from explaining how federal rulemaking and public comment periods shape LGBTQ+ rights, to organizing phone banks for state-level nondiscrimination protections, to celebrating the volunteers who power our campaigns. Browse the archive to catch up on past posts, and check back for new updates.