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42 U.S.C. § 1

Title 42 Chapter 21 Current through PL 119-73 Last updated: March 29, 2026 View on OLRC →
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§ 2000bb–1. Free exercise of religion protected

  • (a) Government shall not substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except as provided in subsection (b).
  • (b) Government may substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person—
    • (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and
    • (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
  • (c) A person whose religious exercise has been burdened in violation of this section may assert that violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding and obtain appropriate relief against a government. Standing to assert a claim or defense under this section shall be governed by the general rules of standing under article III of the Constitution.

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