Protecting Religious Freedom from COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
This act aims to protect individuals who refuse COVID-19 vaccination due to religious beliefs. It ensures that governments and certain private entities cannot impose significant burdens, such as job loss, if their refusal stems from sincerely held religious convictions. The act seeks to make it easier for citizens to defend their rights in court in such situations.
Key points
Prohibits governments and certain entities from imposing substantial burdens on individuals refusing COVID-19 vaccines due to religious exercise.
Requires any restriction on religious freedom to serve a compelling government interest and be the least restrictive means.
Allows individuals to seek damages and other legal remedies in court for violations of religious rights related to vaccine mandates.
Ensures that refusing a COVID-19 vaccine based on a sincerely held religious belief is considered religious exercise.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_4163
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Process start date: 2022-05-09