Can bonus skill feats from backgrounds bypass prerequisites?

[Colette Brunel]

Can bonus skill feats from backgrounds bypass prerequisites?

For example, can a character have the Farmhand background while being untrained in Athletics, and gain Assurance (Athletics) as a bonus feat? It would only be useful only for the first two or three levels of the game, but then, that might be all the player is looking for.

[GM OfAnything]

Yes.

[David knott 242]

You would have to be able to bypass prerequisites since you aren't trained in any skills at the time you choose your background.

[Vahnyu]

Yes. When you select a background, you are informed in no uncertain terms that "You gain feat X". No ifs, ands, or buts. This is specific, in regards to Assurance's prerequisites, which are general by comparison(Rule: Specific beats General).

[Colette Brunel]

This could be something that could use a bit of clarification.

[David knott 242]

The latest errata indeed clarified the issue in this thread.