๐ Topic Summary
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) is a federal law passed in 1993 that aims to protect individuals' religious freedom. It states that the government cannot substantially burden a person's exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless the government demonstrates the burden (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Essentially, RFRA requires the government to have a very good reason and use the least intrusive way possible when a law or action interferes with someone's religious practices. This law has been at the center of numerous court cases, sparking debate about the balance between religious freedom and other rights.
๐ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Religious Exercise |
A. An interest of the government that is significant and justifiable. |
| 2. Substantial Burden |
B. Actions motivated by sincerely held religious beliefs. |
| 3. Compelling Governmental Interest |
C. The method that impacts religious freedom the least while still achieving the government's goal. |
| 4. Least Restrictive Means |
D. Government action that significantly inhibits or constrains one's religious practices. |
| 5. RFRA |
E. A federal law protecting religious freedom, requiring the government to justify burdens on religious exercise. |
(Answers: 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C, 5-E)
โ๏ธ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was passed in ____(1)____ to protect religious freedom. It states that the government cannot ____(2)____ burden a person's exercise of ____(3)____, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless it is in furtherance of a ____(4)____ governmental interest and is the ____(5)____ restrictive means of furthering that interest.
(Answers: 1-1993, 2-substantially, 3-religion, 4-compelling, 5-least)
๐ค Part C: Critical Thinking
Consider a scenario where a state law requires all businesses to be open on Sundays, but a business owner's religion prohibits them from working on that day. How might RFRA apply, and what arguments could be made by both the business owner and the state government?