Christian shelter's ban on Muslim workers jeopardizes funding
BUTLER, Pa. -- A Christian homeless shelter in Pennsylvania could lose more than half its funding because it doesn't want Muslim employees and has refused to sign a government contract barring hiring discrimination.
The Grace Youth and Family Foundation tells The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review it only wants employees who believe in Jesus Christ and being forced to hire people of other faiths is unacceptable.
A $35,000 grant from Butler County's Department of Human Services comes with a standard stipulation barring discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry and other factors.
The foundation's Winter Relief Center is the only homeless shelter in the county.
Founder Bill Halle says Jesus is the center of the foundation's work. He says, "You cannot have a Muslim within our organization."
The county says other faith-based organizations have signed the contract.