RHODE ISLAND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY STATUTES
Religious liberty statute that could put children at risk
Rhode Island Enacted RFRA Legislation (Enacted: July 22, 1993)
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-80.1-1 to -4 (1998) § 42-80.1-1 Short title. – This chapter shall be known as the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act”.
History of Section. (P.L. 1993, ch. 230, § 1.)
§ 42-80.1-2 Definitions. – As used in this chapter:
“Governmental authority” means any department, agency, commission, committee, board, council, bureau or authority or any subdivision of state or municipal government.
History of Section. (P.L. 1993, ch. 230, § 1.)
§ 42-80.1-3 Religious freedom protected. – (a) Except as provided for in subsection (b), a governmental authority may not restrict a person’s free exercise of religion. (b) A governmental authority may restrict a person’s free exercise of religion only if:
(1) The restriction is in the form of a rule of general applicability, and does not intentionally discriminate against religion, or among religions; and (2) The governmental authority proves that application of the restriction to the person is essential to further a compelling governmental interest, and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
History of Section. (P.L. 1993, ch. 230, § 1.)
§ 42-80.1-4 Remedies. – In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:
(1) Afford injunctive and declaratory relief against any governmental authority which commits a proposes to commit a violation of this chapter, and; (2) Award a prevailing plaintiff damages.
History of Section. (P.L. 1993, ch. 230, § 1.)