H.R.1954 - Do No Harm Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1954, the "Do No Harm Act," seeks to amend the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993. The amendment aims to prevent RFRA from being used to infringe upon civil rights or cause harm to third parties. It clarifies that RFRA does not override laws protecting against discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity, or safeguarding access to healthcare and other essential services.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would limit the scope of RFRA, preventing individuals or organizations from using religious freedom as a justification for discriminatory practices. This could lead to greater protection for marginalized groups and ensure equal access to services. It would also clarify the application of RFRA in private disputes.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthens protections against discrimination by preventing RFRA from being used to undermine civil rights laws.
- Ensures access to healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare, without religious objections interfering.
- Promotes equal opportunity by preventing religious exemptions from being used to deny services or benefits.
- Clarifies the scope of RFRA, reducing potential for legal challenges based on religious freedom claims that harm others.
- Reinforces the separation of church and state by limiting the use of religious beliefs to justify actions that harm others.
Potential Disadvantages
- May be viewed by some as infringing upon religious freedom by limiting the scope of RFRA.
- Could lead to legal challenges from religious organizations or individuals who believe their religious freedom is being curtailed.
- May create uncertainty in some areas of law where religious freedom and civil rights intersect.
- Could potentially impact the ability of religious organizations to operate according to their beliefs in certain contexts.
- May be perceived as government overreach into matters of religious belief and practice.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While the First Amendment protects religious freedom, it does not grant unlimited license to harm others or violate civil rights. The bill attempts to balance these competing interests by clarifying that RFRA should not be used to undermine existing protections against discrimination. This aligns with the broader constitutional principles of equality and justice.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).