West Virginia Freedom of Conscience Protection Act (HB 2508)
This law was last updated on Dec 12, 2016
Number
HB 2508
Status
Failed to Pass
Proposed
Jan 13, 2016
Sponsors
Co-sponsors: 9
Primary Sponsors: 1
Total Sponsors: 10
Full Bill Text
HB 2508 would prohibit state action from burdening a person’s right to exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless it is demonstrated that applying the burden to that person’s exercise of religion is essential to further a compelling governmental interest, and is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.
A person whose exercise of religion has been burdened or is likely to be burdened in violation of this provision may assert such violation or impending violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, regardless of whether the state or one of its political subdivisions is a party to the proceeding
The law allows religious freedom to be raised as a defense in lawsuits between private citizens and therefore does not track the federal RFRA.
STATUS
Similar to HB 2830 and SB 487, both of which failed to pass in 2015.
People
Co-sponsor
Primary Sponsor
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