Bill > HB1523

This bill, titled the "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act," aims to shield individuals, religious organizations, and private associations from government actions that discriminate against their sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. It defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman, reserves sexual relations for such marriages, and defines male and female based on immutable biological sex. The bill prohibits the state government from taking discriminatory actions against those who decline to solemnize marriages, provide services related to marriage, make employment decisions based on beliefs, or make decisions about housing based on these convictions. It also prevents discrimination against religious organizations that provide adoption or foster care services, or against individuals who guide children according to their beliefs. Furthermore, it protects individuals who decline to participate in sex reassignment treatments, counseling, or fertility services, and those who establish sex-specific standards for dress, grooming, or facility access. State employees are protected for lawful speech or expressive conduct related to their beliefs, provided it's within certain time, place, and manner guidelines or occurs in their personal capacity outside of work duties. The bill allows government officials involved in marriage licensing or solemnization to recuse themselves based on religious beliefs, as long as marriages are not impeded or delayed. It also outlines remedies for violations, including compensatory damages and attorney fees, and establishes a two-year statute of limitations for bringing claims. The act is to be broadly construed in favor of protecting religious exercise and does not preempt or narrow existing protections.