The Religious Liberty Protection Act is a "step in the right
direction toward restoring religious liberties," the Christian
Coalition 's Chris Freund told Religion Today.
On July 16 the House of Representatives passed the legislation
designed to prevent state and local governments from infringing
on religious expression by a vote of 306-118, the Associated
Press said. The measure that still must pass the Senate requires
lawmakers to prove a "compelling governmental interest" before
imposing a "substantial burden" on a person's religious
practices.
..."Every day Americans are wrongfully denied an opportunity to
practice their religion according to the dictates of conscience,"
said Rep. Charles Canady (R-Fla.), its chief sponsor. Examples
range from a woman denied a job because her faith forbids loyalty
oaths to Muslim firefighters who were told they had to shave
their beards. A large number of religious and civil rights groups
supported the measure and the Clinton Administration has gone on
record in favor of it.
...The act is the latest attempt by lawmakers in a 10-year effort
to protect religious expression in the face of government
interference. The Supreme Court in 1990 ruled that states and
local authorities can make laws restricting religious practices
for almost any reason, the AP said. Congress responded by passing
the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 1993, seeking to make
lawmakers demonstrate a compelling interest for such
interference, but the high court ruled that Congress exceeded its
authority in passing the law. The new law includes different
language that may pass the Supreme Court's standards." This
measure is constitutionally sound and will help safeguard the
free expression of religious faith in this country," the American
Center for Law and Justice 's Jay Sekulow said.

Reprinted with permission from Religion Today, http://www.ReligionToday.com."

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