SB 119-21: Religious Liberty Act--Passed

[Pyro]

I typically prefer to allow a bill's sponsor to speak on behalf of legislation prior to providing any commentary, but I must voice my objection to this bill at its outset. This proposal would prohibit the federal government from taking action against corporations that engage in discriminatory behavior, if said activity falls under the excuse of religious freedom. In other words, under the terms of this bill, President Spiral would be unable to break a federal contract with a private company for reasons relating to the latter's sex, gender, racial, or even religious discrimination. This is wrong.

If it is discovered we are doing business with an entity that treats LGBT+ workers unfairly, for example, or frequently voices opposition to the rights of LGBT+ individuals, it should be within the federal government's rights to break a contract. Religious liberty is an important protection, but it cannot be used as a shield to guard a private entity's bigoted acts or views.

Therefore, I propose the following amendment to address the bigger issue here: Discrimination by private companies against individuals.

Freedom of Expression Religious Liberty Act

1. As used in this act:

A. Adverse action means any action taken by a private company, corporation, or LLC governmental entity to: withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise deny any grant, contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, loan, scholarship, license, registration, accreditation, employment, or other similar status from or to a person; withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise deny any benefit provided under a benefit program from or to a person; alter in any way the tax treatment of, cause any tax, penalty, or payment assessment against, or deny, delay, or revoke a tax exemption of a person; disallow a tax deduction for any charitable contribution made to or by a person; deny admission to, equal treatment in, or eligibility for a degree from an educational program or institution to a person; or withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise deny access to a property, educational institution, speech forum, or charitable fund-raising campaign from or to a person.            

B. Benefit program means any program administered or funded by a governmental entity or federal agency that provides assistance in the form of payments, grants, loans, or loan guarantees.

C. Governmental entity includes but is not limited to any department or agency of the Atlasian government, any contractor or subcontractor of a governmental entity acting within the scope of the contract, and any airport or airport authority recieving federal funds or financing from a governmental entity.

2. Notwithstanding any other law, a private company, corporation, or LLC governmental entity may not take any adverse action against any person based wholly or partly on a person's gender identity or sexual orientation. belief or action in accordance with the person's sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction, including beliefs or convictions regarding abortion or marriage.

3. A person may assert an actual or threatened violation of this act as a claim or defense in a judicial or administrative proceeding and obtain: compensatory damages; injunctive relief; declaratory relief; and any other appropriate relief, including reasonable attorney's fees.

4. Notwithstanding any other law, a person may commence an action under this section and relief may be granted regardless of whether the person has sought or exhausted available administrative

5. This act shall take effect immediately.

[Pyro]

Freedom of Expression Religious Liberty Act

1. As used in this act:

A. Adverse action means any action taken by a private company, corporation, or LLC governmental entity to: withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise deny any grant, contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, loan, scholarship, license, registration, accreditation, employment, or other similar status from or to a person; withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise deny any benefit provided under a benefit program from or to a person; alter in any way the tax treatment of, cause any tax, penalty, or payment assessment against, or deny, delay, or revoke a tax exemption of a person; disallow a tax deduction for any charitable contribution made to or by a person; deny admission to, equal treatment in, or eligibility for a degree from an educational program or institution to a person; or withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise deny access to a property, educational institution, speech forum, or charitable fund-raising campaign from or to a person.            

B. Benefit program means any program administered or funded by a governmental entity or federal agency that provides assistance in the form of payments, grants, loans, or loan guarantees.

C. Governmental entity includes but is not limited to any department or agency of the Atlasian government, any contractor or subcontractor of a governmental entity acting within the scope of the contract, and any airport or airport authority recieving federal funds or financing from a governmental entity.

2. Notwithstanding any other law, a private company, corporation, or LLC governmental entity may not take any adverse action against any person based wholly or partly on a person's gender identity or sexual orientation. belief or action in accordance with the person's sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction, including beliefs or convictions regarding abortion or marriage.

3. A person may assert an actual or threatened violation of this act as a claim or defense in a judicial or administrative proceeding and obtain: compensatory damages; injunctive relief; declaratory relief; and any other appropriate relief, including reasonable attorney's fees.

4. Notwithstanding any other law, a person may commence an action under this section and relief may be granted regardless of whether the person has sought or exhausted available administrative

5. This act shall take effect immediately.

Question is on the Amendment.

Aye

[Pyro]

Amendment fails 5-8-1-3.

Debate resumes.

[Pyro]

Nay