On April 3, the Georgia legislature gave final passage to SB36, the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act (full text). The Act requires the government to justify any substantial burden on the exercise of religion by a compelling interest implemented by the least restrictive means. The Act adds:
Granting government funding, benefits, or exemptions, to the extent permissible under the Establishment Clause, shall not constitute a violation of this chapter. As used in this Code section, the term "granting," used with respect to government funding, benefits, or exemptions, does not include the denial of government funding, benefits, or exemptions.
If signed by Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia will be the 30th state to enact a religious freedom law. Baptist Press reports on the bill.
