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Washington Religious Freedom Restoration Act (HB 1217)
This law was last updated on Aug 27, 2018
This law is Anti–LGBTQ
Number
HB 1217
Status
Failed to Pass
Proposed
Jan 13, 2017
Sponsors
Co-sponsors: 13
Primary Sponsors: 1
Total Sponsors: 14
Full Bill Text
HB 1217 would prohibit the state from burdening a person’s right to the exercise of religion or freedom of conscience, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless it is essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
A person whose exercise of religion or freedom of conscience has been burdened or is likely to be burdened may assert the 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.
People
Co-sponsor
Primary Sponsor
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