Non-Profits Sue to Block Terror Watch-List Rule

WASHINGTON -- It’s illegal for the federal government to require charities to make sure none of their employees are on lists of suspected terrorists, a group of non-profit organizations contends in a lawsuit filed Wednesday. Since last year, the government has said any charity involved in its United Way-style annual fund drive “must now certify that they do not knowingly employ individuals or have ties to organizations found on any terrorist related list promulgated by the U.S. Government or other international sources.” The screening requirement stems from an executive order signed by President Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It prohibits Americans from giving money to individuals or organizations with ties to terrorism. Posted by Editor at November 17, 2004 07:37 AM