Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an institution of higher learning from denying benefits to on-campus religious student associations.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an institution of higher learning from denying a religious student association the same “benefits” available to other student associations due to a religious association’s requirements of its members and leaders to meet certain criteria, including the following (Sec. A):
• That leaders and members adhere to the association’s sincerely held religious beliefs;
• That leaders and members comply with the association’s sincere religious observance requirements and standards of conduct; and
• That leaders and members are committed to furthering the association’s religious missions.

• Defines “benefit” as including, but not being limited to, the ability to be officially recognized and registered by the institution, to use facilities of the institution, and to access the funding sources available for student associations of the institution (Sec. A).

• Authorizes a student or religious student association that has been aggrieved as a result of a violation of the provisions of this bill to assert that violation as a claim or defense in a judicial or administrative proceeding against an institution of higher education (Sec. A).

Full Bill Text