Maine RFRA Bill Under Scrutiny
Written by Don ByrdProposed legislation in Maine would make the state the 18th (or so, depending on how you count) in the nation to enact a Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Such laws prohibit the state from burdening a person’s religious exercise unless a compelling government interest requires it. A federal law – which is 20 years old this year – similarly constrains the federal government.
Writing in the Bangor Daily News, bill sponsor David Burns defends the law against charges the law would undermine same-sex marriage. Instead, he says, the purpose is to roll back “attacks” on religion.
