Gov. Henry McMaster issues Executive Order requiring state agencies to protect religious freedom
March 14, 2018
Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2018-12, ensuring and bolstering individuals’ and organizations’ right to religious freedom in South Carolina. Specifically, the governor’s order clarifies the South Carolina Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Child Placing Agency (CPA) licensing practices to allow faith-based organizations, like Miracle Hill, to retain full foster care licensing. It also orders all cabinet agencies to review policies to ensure they are appropriately protecting religious freedoms.
Recently, Governor McMaster sent a letter to the executive director of Miracle Hill to express his support of the organizations’ many contributions to the state and its mission of providing safe, supportive environments for one of South Carolina’s most vulnerable populations, children in foster care.
Additionally, the governor wrote Acting Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Steven Wagner to express concerns over Obama-era regulations restricting the religious freedom of CPAs like Miracle Hill and requested a deviation or exemption from such regulations.
