New York Program Bill 36
Summary: This bill would create a state "religious freedom restoration act", providing that someone whose free exercise of religion is "substantially burdened" by a rule of general applicability may assert a defense against the rule in a judicial proceeding and the government would have to show that the rule furthers a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. In other words, such a rule would be subject to the exacting "strict scrutiny" standard of constitutional review. The bill would apply to all state and local laws, including anti-discrimination laws.
Status: The bill was introduced June 11, 2007.
Action: New York residents should use HRC’s Online Action Center to contact their state senator and representative to ask him or her to oppose this bill.
Rating: Oppose
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Last Updated: 6/11/2007