Bill > HB1615

This bill amends Arkansas law to provide comprehensive protections for religious beliefs and individuals' rights related to religious convictions, particularly concerning marriage and biological sex. The bill expands existing religious nondiscrimination statutes to explicitly prohibit government discrimination against religious organizations, individuals, and students based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. It defines new terms like "belief about biological sex or marriage" and provides protections for individuals in various contexts, including professional licensing, education, and workplace settings. The law prevents state government from taking discriminatory actions against people who decline to provide services, maintain separate facilities, or participate in activities that conflict with their religious beliefs about marriage or biological sex. It also allows government employees to seek recusal from performing marriage-related duties if those duties conflict with their religious beliefs, with safeguards to ensure constitutional rights are not unduly burdened. The bill requires that any restrictions on religious beliefs must meet a high legal standard, being essential to further a compelling governmental interest and using the least restrictive means possible. Overall, the legislation aims to protect religious freedom and prevent government-based discrimination against individuals and organizations with traditional religious views about marriage and gender.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1615&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R