S.894 - Do No Harm Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Do No Harm Act (S.894) aims to amend the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993. It seeks to prevent RFRA from being used to undermine civil rights protections and other laws designed to prevent harm to third parties. The bill clarifies that RFRA does not apply to laws or their implementation that protect against discrimination, promote equal opportunity, or safeguard access to healthcare.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would narrow the scope of RFRA. It would prevent individuals or organizations from using religious freedom as a basis to circumvent laws protecting civil rights and ensuring equal access to services. This could lead to fewer legal challenges based on religious freedom claims in areas such as healthcare, employment, and social services.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthens civil rights protections by preventing religious exemptions from undermining anti-discrimination laws.
- Ensures equal access to healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare, regardless of religious objections.
- Protects workers by preventing employers from using religious beliefs to deny fair wages, benefits, or safe working conditions.
- Reinforces the separation of church and state by limiting the use of religious beliefs to justify discriminatory practices.
- Clarifies the scope of RFRA, reducing legal uncertainty and potential for abuse.
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 rights are being violated.
- May create a chilling effect on religious expression in certain contexts, as individuals or organizations may fear legal repercussions for acting on their beliefs.
- Could potentially impact the ability of religious organizations to operate according to their beliefs in certain areas, such as employment practices.
- May be seen as government overreach in defining the limits of religious freedom.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While the First Amendment protects religious freedom, it is not absolute. The Supreme Court has recognized that religious freedom can be limited when it infringes upon the rights of others or violates established laws. This bill attempts to balance religious freedom with other constitutional rights, such as equal protection under the law (14th Amendment). The bill aims to prevent the use of religious freedom to justify discrimination, which aligns with the principle of equal rights.
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).