§2000cc–3 Rules of Construction

Summary

Protects religious beliefs and practices from being burdened by the government. It says the law cannot be used to restrict or punish religious exercise or to make claims against a religious group or a religious school or university that is not acting as the government. The law does not by itself give or take away a right to get government money for religious activities, but it can require a government to spend money in its own programs if that is needed to avoid a substantial burden on religion. Limits how the government can act. It cannot force private people or groups to change their policies just because they want funding. A government can avoid conflict with this law by changing its rules, making exemptions, or otherwise removing the burden. Showing a burden affects interstate, foreign, or tribal commerce does not mean other laws apply. The law must be read to give the widest protection it allows, it does not override state or federal laws that are as protective or more protective, and if one part is struck down, the rest stays in force.