Thursday, December 17, 2020 Federal Register. The final rule clarifies the scope and application of the religious exemption — which generally allows certain contractors to make employment-related decisions based on religion — by adding definitions to key terms and a rule of construction and severability clause. The OFCCP reported that it intended the final rule to acknowledge case law permitting religious organizations to apply religious belief defenses to claims of alleged unlawful employment discrimination. Yet, opponents to the final rule believe it impermissibly protects the free exercise of religion above protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community. Indeed, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has already publicly stated that she will work with the Biden administration to repeal this final rule and other “anti-worker” policies. As of now, the regulations will go into effect on January 8, 2021.