Kentucky passes religious-freedom act
March 27, 2013
Overriding Gov. Steve Beshear’s veto by overwhelming margins, the Kentucky house and senate have passed religious-freedom legislation. The Catholic Conference of Kentucky supported the measure.
The short law reads:
Government shall not substantially burden a person's freedom of religion. The right to act or refuse to act in a manner motivated by a sincerely held religious belief may not be substantially burdened unless the government proves by clear and convincing evidence that it has a compelling governmental interest in infringing the specific act or refusal to act and has used the least restrictive means to further that interest. A "burden" shall include indirect burdens such as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or an exclusion from programs or access to facilities.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Kentucky legislature overwhelmingly overrides veto of 'religious freedom' bill (Louisville Courier-Journal)
- Veto Override Needed to Protect Our Right to Worship (Catholic Conference of Kentucky)
- HB 279 (Kentucky Legislature)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: DrJazz -
Mar. 27, 2013 10:08 AM ET USA
The text of the law is good, but it seems that our culture follows a similar pattern with every moral issue. Compare to DOMA: A principle that used to be understood commonly is codified in law to prevent it from being eroded. Culturally, however, the principle continues to be eroded. 10-20 years later, the law is derided as discriminatory; people clamor for its repeal and courts rule against it. Unless we evangelize and teach God's law fearlessly, these man-made laws eventually will be repealed.
