A bill 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.
Became Public Law No: 103-141.
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2822-2824)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 103-111. Additional views filed.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 103-111. Additional views filed.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 163.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S14350-14368)
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S14461-14470)
Senate incorporated this measure in H.R. 1308 as an amendment.
Senate passed companion measure H.R. 1308 in lieu of this measure by Yea-Nay Vote. 97-3. Record Vote No: 331.
Roll Call #331 (Senate)checking server…
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Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.