The Utah legislature yesterday gave final passage to S.B. 150: Exercise of Religion Amendments (full text). The bill is similar, though not identical to, Religious Freedom Restoration Acts passed in 35 other states. It prohibits governmental imposition of a substantial burden on the free exercise of religion unless the government demonstrates a compelling interest and uses the least restrictive means to further that interest. In a compromise with LGBTQ advocates, the sponsor of the bill added language in the introductory "Whereas" clauses to preserve existing protections against discrimination in employment and housing based on sexual orientation or gender identity. (Background). Those clauses read:
(d) WHEREAS, Utah has enacted a number of laws that balance religious freedom with other important civil rights; and
(e) WHEREAS, this part complements, rather than disrupts, the balance described in Subsection (1)(d).
The bill now goes to Governor Spencer Cox for his signature. States Newsroom reports on passage of the bill.
