Arkansas Governor signs Bill upholding religious freedom

The US state of Arkansas has strengthened its law protecting the religious liberty of individuals and organisations.

The ‘Conscience Protection Act’, which has been signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, prevents the State Government from discriminating against a religious organisation on the basis of its “religious identity” or policies made “in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief”.

For example, the Government may not impose any payment or withhold a tax exemption from an organisation on the basis of its beliefs. These protections can only be set aside in exceptional circumstances.

‘Fair hearing’

The law also prevents the Government from denying a contract, scholarship or promotion on the basis of a person’s beliefs. If a person claims to have suffered such discrimination, they are entitled to seek compensation within two years.

Greg Chafuen, Legal Counsel for religious liberty group Alliance Defending Freedom, said: “Citizens should be able to stand up for their rights when the government stops them from living and worshiping according to their faith.”

He added: “The law doesn’t determine who will win every disagreement, but it does ensure that all Arkansans—regardless of their religious creed or political power—receive a fair hearing if government action forces them to violate their religious beliefs.”

Adoption

Earlier this month, a mother launched legal action against the state of Oregon because she believes it rejected her adoption application due to her Christian views on sexual ethics.

Jessica Bates last year began the process of adopting two hard-to-place siblings who are currently in foster care, but the Oregon Department of Human Services said she failed to “meet the adoption home standards”, and excluded her from accessing child welfare services.

She said in her application that she would “happily love and accept any child”, but said she would not do or say anything which conflicted with her Christian faith.