Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act (HB 1632)

HB 1632 would prohibit the government from substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless it is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.

The law defines “person” to include an association, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, a church, a religious institution, an estate, a trust, a foundation, or any other legal entity.

A person whose exercise of religion has been substantially burdened, or is likely to be substantially burdened, by a violation of this law may assert the violation or impending violation as a claim or defense in a judicial or administrative proceeding, regardless of whether the state or any other governmental entity is a party to the proceeding.

The language of the bill would allow religious freedom to be raised as a defense in lawsuits between private citizens and therefore does not track the federal RFRA.

STATUS

Similar to SB 568.

Similar to SB 101, which became law.

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People