Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Definition

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1993 that aims to protect individuals' rights to practice their religion freely without undue interference from the government. The act was designed to restore the compelling interest standard previously established by the Supreme Court, which required the government to demonstrate a compelling interest when imposing restrictions on religious practices. RFRA applies to federal and state laws, ensuring that any law that substantially burdens religious exercise must be justified by a compelling governmental interest and must be the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. RFRA was introduced in response to a Supreme Court decision in 1990 that weakened protections for religious exercise under the First Amendment.
2. The act applies not only to federal laws but also to state laws, allowing individuals to challenge state actions that they believe infringe upon their religious freedom.
3. In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. that closely held for-profit corporations could be exempt from providing contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act if it conflicted with their religious beliefs.
4. RFRA has been invoked in various legal cases related to issues like healthcare, employment, and the rights of religious organizations.
5. Critics argue that RFRA can lead to discrimination against marginalized groups by allowing individuals or businesses to refuse services based on religious beliefs.

Review Questions

• How does the Religious Freedom Restoration Act strengthen protections for religious practices in comparison to previous legal standards?
  • The Religious Freedom Restoration Act strengthens protections for religious practices by reinstating the compelling interest test, which requires the government to show a compelling reason when it seeks to impose restrictions on religious exercise. This contrasts with earlier rulings that allowed for broader government authority over religious practices. By establishing that any law that significantly burdens religious exercise must be justified by a compelling governmental interest and must use the least restrictive means, RFRA offers more robust legal grounds for individuals to challenge governmental interference.
• Discuss a significant Supreme Court case involving RFRA and its implications for religious freedom in the United States.
  • A significant case involving RFRA is Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., where the Supreme Court ruled that closely held for-profit corporations could refuse to provide contraceptive coverage based on their owners' religious beliefs. This ruling highlighted RFRA's impact on balancing corporate rights with individual religious freedoms, as it affirmed that businesses can have religious beliefs under certain circumstances. The implications of this case extend to how RFRA can influence employer-employee relationships and access to healthcare, sparking ongoing debates about the intersection of commerce and religion.
• Evaluate the criticisms of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act regarding its potential consequences for civil rights and liberties in society.
  • Critics of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act argue that it may unintentionally enable discrimination against marginalized groups by allowing individuals or businesses to cite religious beliefs as justification for refusing services. This concern arises from cases where RFRA has been used to challenge laws designed to protect civil rights, such as anti-discrimination statutes. The tension between protecting religious freedoms and ensuring equal treatment for all individuals raises significant questions about how society balances these competing interests, prompting discussions on whether RFRA adequately considers its broader impact on civil liberties.

Related terms

First Amendment:

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Compelling Interest Test: A legal standard used to determine if the government's interest in regulating a particular action is strong enough to justify restrictions on religious freedom.

Substantial Burden: A legal threshold established by RFRA, indicating that a law or government action significantly restricts an individual's ability to exercise their religion.