To protect the free exercise of religion.
Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 - Prohibits any agency, department, or official of the United States or any State (the government) from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except that the government may burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person: (1) furthers a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
Sets forth provisions pertaining to judicial relief, attorney's fees, and applicability.
Declares that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to interpret the clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting the establishment of religion; (2) the granting of government funding, benefits, or exemptions, to the extent permissible under that clause, shall not constitute a violation of this Act; and (3) as used in this Act, "granting" does not include the denial of government funding, benefits, or exemptions.
Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S14470-14471)
Senate struck all after the Enacting Clause and substituted the language of S. 578 amended.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate in lieu of S. 578 with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 97-3. Record Vote No: 331.
Roll Call #331 (Senate)Passed Senate in lieu of S. 578 with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 97-3. Record Vote No: 331.
Roll Call #331 (Senate)Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Enacted as Public Law 103-141
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Mr. Brooks asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendment.
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H8713-8715)
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H8713-8715)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 103-141.
Became Public Law No: 103-141.