42 U.S.C. § 2000bb–2: Definitions

Summary

Defines key words used in this chapter. Government means U.S. branches, departments, agencies, other parts, officials, and people acting with government authority, whether of the United States or of a covered entity. Covered entity means the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and every territory and possession of the United States. Demonstrates means to provide enough evidence to move the case forward and to convince the decision-maker. Exercise of religion means "religious exercise" as that term is defined in section 2000cc–5.

Title 42, §2000bb–2

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

As used in this chapter—

(1)the term “government” includes a branch, department, agency, instrumentality, and official (or other person acting under color of law) of the United States, or of a covered entity;

(2)the term “covered entity” means the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and each territory and possession of the United States;

(3)the term “demonstrates” means meets the burdens of going forward with the evidence and of persuasion; and

(4)the term “exercise of religion” means religious exercise, as defined in section 2000cc–5 of this title.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 103–141, Nov. 16, 1993, 107 Stat. 1488, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 2000bb of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2000—Par. (1). Pub. L. 106–274, § 7(a)(1), substituted “or of a covered entity” for “a State, or a subdivision of a State”. Par. (2). Pub. L. 106–274, § 7(a)(2), substituted “term ‘covered entity’ means” for “term ‘State’ includes”. Par. (4). Pub. L. 106–274, § 7(a)(3), substituted “religious exercise, as defined in section 2000cc–5 of this title” for “the exercise of religion under the First Amendment to the Constitution”.

§2000bb–2 Definitions