Rhode Island Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Rhode Island’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act prohibits the government from restricting a person’s free exercise of religion unless the restriction is in the form of a rule of general applicability, and does not intentionally discriminate against religion, or among religions; and the governmental authority proves that application of the restriction to the person is essential to further a compelling governmental interest, and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.

A person alleging violation of this law may take civil action against the government and be awarded injunctive and declaratory relief from a court.

The amendment does not allow religious freedom to be raised as a defense in lawsuits between private citizens and therefore tracks the federal RFRA.