Bill > SB898

This bill, the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, amends existing law to strengthen protections for the free exercise of religion. It clarifies that "exercise of religion" includes acting or refusing to act based on sincerely held religious beliefs, even if not compulsory or central to a belief system. The bill also broadens the definition of "substantially burden" to encompass actions that directly or indirectly constrain, inhibit, curtail, or deny religious exercise, or compel actions contrary to it, including withholding benefits or imposing penalties. Crucially, it establishes that if a person's religious exercise is substantially burdened or likely to be burdened in violation of this act, they can assert this as a claim or defense in court, regardless of whether the government is a party, and can seek appropriate relief, including injunctions, damages, and attorney fees. This act is set to become effective on November 1, 2016.