Utah’s version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed the Senate and is awaiting a House floor vote.
Shepherded by Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, and Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, SB150 prohibits any government entity from substantially burdening a person’s right to exercise religious freedom “unless the burden is essential to furthering a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.”
When Weiler introduced the bill in committee, he said it was intended as a “backstop” in case the federal Congress repealed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was signed into law by former President Bill Clinton in 1993. It was the result of a bipartisan collaboration that involved Muslims, evangelicals, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the ACLU among other groups. It was aimed at allowing people of faith to challenge policies that they say interfere with their religious freedom.