FT 12.20 – Freedom of Religious Expression Act (Awaiting signature)

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

AN ACT
To prohibit discrimination against religious attire

Section 1: Title

This legislation may be cited as the Freedom of Religious Expression Act.

Section 2: Text

1. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any employer, or an employee or agent thereof, to impose upon a person as a condition of obtaining or retaining employment, including opportunities for promotion, advancement or transfers, any terms or conditions that would require such person to violate or forego a sincerely held practice of his or her religion, including but not limited to the observation of any particular day or days or any portion thereof as a sabbath or other holy day in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion or the wearing of any attire, clothing, facial hair, or religious jewelry, in accordance with the requirements of their religion, unless, after engaging in a bona fide effort, the employer demonstrates that it is unable to reasonably accommodate the employee's or prospective employee's sincerely held religious observance or practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business.

2. It shall be unlawful for any State or locality to adopt or enforce legislation banning the wearing of any religious attire, including but not limited to burqas, niqabs, or hijabs.

Section 3: Enactment

This law shall go into effect sixty days upon enactment.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

In principle, I support this. I wonder what qualifies as a "sincerely held" religious belief in the context of this Act? Are there examples of similar language in state laws that would give us an idea what standard for judging sincerity might be established by the courts?

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The amendment is adopted.

I'm satisfied with the bill as it stands, though ideally we would hear from other members before moving to a vote.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Okay, then . . . I move for a final vote. Members have 24 hours to object.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Seeing no objection, we proceed to a vote. Members will vote Aye, Nay, or abstain. Voting will last 48 hours or until all members have voted.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Aye!

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

With five votes in favor and none opposed, the resolution passes.