Government may not burden a person's or religious organization's religious liberty. The right to act or refuse to act in a manner motivated by a sincerely held religious belief may not be burdened unless the government proves it has a compelling governmental interest in infringing the specific act or refusal to act and has used the least restrictive means to further that interest. A burden includes indirect burdens such as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or an exclusion from programs or access to facilities.[Thanks to Don Byrd for the lead.]
Saturday, May 28, 2011
North Dakota Will Vote On Religious Freedom Constitutional Amendment
In the state's June 2012 election, North Dakotans will vote on a religious freedom amendment to the state constitution. According to the Devil's Lake Journal, the North Dakota Secretary of State ruled this week that sufficient signatures had been obtained to place the initiative on the ballot. The proposed amendment provides:
