Written by Don Byrd
Governor Sam Brownback signed Kansas’ version of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law Wednesday. The measure prohibits the state from substantially burdening religious exercise unless it can demonstrate a compelling interest. Actions by the federal government are governed by federal RFRA legislation, but federal government concerns seem to have inspired the Kansas bill.
The measure was, in part, a response to concerns over mandates from the federal government regarding health care and conflicts with religious beliefs of hospitals and other providers.
One example cited by Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer during legislative testimony is a provision in the federal health care act that would require most employers to cover birth control, even if it goes against their long-held religious beliefs.
You can read the full bill text, including its many caveats, here. (pdf)
