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Draft of ‘religious freedom’ executive order causes alarm for LGBT rights groups
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Feb 2, 2017
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Draft of ‘religious freedom’ executive order causes alarm for LGBT rights groups
The draft of an executive order from President Trump is causing alarm for both advocates of LGBT rights and for the separation between church and state.
Crowds of people take photos of the White House lighted in the rainbow colors in Washington on June 26, 2015.
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The draft of an executive order from President Trump is causing alarm for both advocates of LGBT rights and for the separation between church and state. 

The draft of an executive order from President Trump is causing alarm for both advocates of LGBT rights and for the separation between church and state. 

The document, obtained by Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting, allows federal employees to abstain from their duties if they conflict with their religious beliefs. It also gives companies the ability to base employment practices and stipulate healthcare benefits on their faith.

While the draft defines the order as protection for religious freedom, others say it opens the door for legalizing discrimination. The details of the order have not been officially announced by the White House.

Reveal's Jennifer Gollan told Take Two's A Martinez, "earlier this week, Trump vowed support for protections for the LGBT community and some critics say this really flies in the face of that promise."  

To hear the interview, click on the Media Player above.