Bush staff says hiring by faith no bar to aid

Memo approves bypassing laws

Last updated October 17, 2008 11:30 p.m. PT

By CHARLIE SAVAGE
THE NEW YORK TIMES

WASHINGTON -- In a newly disclosed legal memorandum, the Bush administration says it can bypass laws that forbid giving taxpayer money to religious groups that hire only staff members who share their faith.

The administration, which has sought to lower barriers between church and state through its religion-based initiative offices, made the claim in a 2007 Justice Department memorandum from the Office of Legal Counsel. It was quietly posted on the department's Web site this week.