Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes religious freedom for all government, business, corporate, and foundation employees in the state of Iowa.

Highlights:

• Defines “excercise of religion” as actions substantially motivated by someones sincerely held religious beliefs, whether or not the excercise is compulsory or central to a larger system of religious belief (Sec. 5).

• Defines “compelling government interest” as a governmental interest of the highest order that cannot otherwise be achieved without burdening the exercise of religion (Sec. 5).

• Prohibits the state or local government from substantially burdening someones exercise of religion unless it is in futherance of a compelling government interest and in the least restrictive means possible (Sec. 6).

• Authorizes individuals, corporations, churches, foundations, or any other entity whose exercise of religion has been burdened to have the power to go to court to seek damages or other means for redressing the harm and costs against them (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes religious freedom for all government, business, corporate, and foundation employees in the state of Iowa.

Highlights:

• Defines “excercise of religion” as actions substantially motivated by someones sincerely held religious beliefs, whether or not the excercise is compulsory or central to a larger system of religious belief (Sec. 5).

• Defines “compelling government interest” as a governmental interest of the highest order that cannot otherwise be achieved without burdening the exercise of religion (Sec. 5).

• Prohibits the state or local government from substantially burdening someones exercise of religion unless it is in futherance of a compelling government interest and in the least restrictive means possible (Sec. 6).

• Authorizes individuals, corporations, churches, foundations, or any other entity whose exercise of religion has been burdened to have the power to go to court to seek damages or other means for redressing the harm and costs against them (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text