
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 42USC2000bb-1]

 
                 TITLE 42--THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
 
               CHAPTER 21B--RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION
 
Sec. 2000bb-1. Free exercise of religion protected


(a) In general

    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) of this section.

(b) Exception

    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) Judicial relief

    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.

(Pub. L. 103-141, Sec. 3, Nov. 16, 1993, 107 Stat. 1488.)

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 1996a of this title.
