The bill amends Arkansas law concerning religious nondiscrimination, aiming to protect religious organizations and individuals from government discrimination based on their religious beliefs or identity. Key provisions include prohibiting government actions that discriminate against religious organizations in areas such as adoption and foster care services, and ensuring that individuals cannot be compelled to act against their sincerely held beliefs. The bill also establishes definitions for terms related to adoption, foster care, and beliefs about biological sex and marriage, emphasizing the importance of these beliefs in various contexts, including employment and service provision.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the state government cannot take discriminatory actions against individuals or organizations based on their religious beliefs regarding marriage or biological sex. It specifies that any refusal to provide services or engage in activities that conflict with these beliefs must be justified as essential to a compelling governmental interest and the least restrictive means of achieving that interest. The legislation also includes provisions to protect individuals in educational institutions and occupational organizations from being penalized for adhering to their religious beliefs, thereby reinforcing the rights of religious expression in various professional and educational settings.

Statutes affected:
HB 1615: 16-123-601, 16-123-602(1), 16-123-602, 16-123-603