Bill > SB0101

This bill, titled "Religious Freedom Restoration," establishes new protections for individuals and organizations in Indiana regarding the exercise of their religion. It prohibits any governmental entity, which includes state government, political subdivisions, and their instrumentalities, from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion, even if the burden comes from a generally applicable rule. A "substantial burden" is defined as a significant impediment to religious practice. To justify such a burden, the governmental entity must prove it serves a "compelling governmental interest," meaning a very important government objective, and that the action taken is the "least restrictive means" to achieve that objective, meaning there's no less intrusive way to accomplish it. The bill also clarifies that "exercise of religion" is broadly defined to include any religious practice, whether or not it's central to a person's beliefs, and importantly, it explicitly states that this law does not affect or interpret the Establishment Clause, which prohibits government establishment of religion, and that providing government funding or benefits does not violate this chapter. If a violation occurs, individuals or organizations can assert it in legal or administrative proceedings, and if successful, they may be awarded relief, including injunctions, damages, and attorney's fees. The bill also specifies that it does not create a cause of action against private employers.