The proposed bill, known as the "Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act," establishes a legal framework aimed at protecting individuals' rights to exercise their religion without undue governmental interference. It defines key terms such as "burden," "exercise of religion," "government," and "person," and outlines the conditions under which government actions may not infringe upon religious practices. Specifically, the bill states that government actions cannot impose a burden on religious exercise, even if such actions are generally applicable, unless the government can demonstrate that the burden serves a compelling interest and is the least restrictive means of achieving that interest.
Additionally, the bill provides individuals whose religious exercise has been unlawfully burdened with the right to seek relief in a court of competent jurisdiction. It emphasizes that the provisions of the act should be interpreted broadly, while also clarifying that it does not permit actions that are inconsistent with public peace or safety. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.