Introducing
Your new presentation assistant.
Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.
Trending searches
Civil Rights: Religious Freedom Restoration Act 1993
4
Civil Rights:
Religious Freedom Restoration Act 1993
By:Juan Gonzalez
Why is this government policy?
It is an Act to protect the free exercise of religion.
History
The federal version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act dates back to 1993, when it was passed by Congress after a controversial Supreme Court decision in 1990 angered liberals and conservatives. But after Congress passed RFRA, the Supreme Court ruled in 1997 that the Act couldn’t be applied to states.
When
It benefits all U.S citizens. With
RFRA, Congress re-committed the Nation to its foundational principle that American
citizens have the God-given right to live peaceably and undisturbed according to their
religious beliefs.
Who
Presidents
The bill was introduced by Congressman Chuck Schumer on March 11, 1993.
President Bill Clinton signed it into law.
Where we stand
Party Stands
Committees and Significant legislation
Congress
- Introduced in the House as H.R. 1308 by Chuck Schumer on March 11, 1993
- Committee consideration by House Judiciary, Senate Judiciary
- Passed the House on May 11, 1993 (passed voice vote)
- Passed the Senate on October 27, 1993 (97-3, Roll call vote 331, via Senate.gov, in lieu of S. 578) with amendment
- House agreed to Senate amendment on November 3, 1993 (without objection)
- Signed into law by President William J. Clinton on November 16, 1993
Groups
Interest Groups and Tactics
The Smith decision outraged the public. Many groups came together. Both liberal (like the American Civil Liberties Union) and conservative groups (like the Traditional Values Coalition) as well as other groups such as the Christian Legal Society, the American Jewish Congress, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, and the National Association of Evangelicals joined forces to support RFRA, which would reinstate the Sherbert Test, overturning laws if they burden a religion.
Who implements this policy?
Bureaucracy
The RFRA applies "to all Federal law, and the implementation of that law, whether statutory or otherwise", including any Federal statutory law adopted after the RFRA's date of signing "unless such law explicitly excludes such application."
The RFRA does not justify discrimination against employees on the basis of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender identity, according to a federal appeals court ruling on March 7, 2018.
How have courts impacted this policy?
The panel discussions covered the history and impact of RFRA, religious freedom and the contraceptive mandate of the Affordable Care Act, and current and future challenges to the free exercise of religion in a diverse society. The addresses and panel discussions are all available online, as well as a special downloadable resource with more on RFRA, published by the Baptist Joint Committee
Courts
Does this policy works?
Policy Analysis and Evaluation
In conclusion the Religious Freedom Restoration Act does works because people can follow their believes without a problem.