This bill narrows when someone can use religious freedom as a legal shield. It says people can’t use religion to avoid laws that protect others from harm—especially laws about civil rights, fair pay and benefits at work, child protection, or access to health care. It also says groups that take government money must still serve the people they’re funded to help, and can’t use religion to deny someone a government service or benefit .

It also clarifies that these religious freedom claims can only be brought in cases where the government is a party, not in lawsuits between private people or organizations .

Key points

• Who is affected: People seeking equal treatment; workers; children; patients; and anyone receiving government services. Organizations that take government funds are also affected .
• What changes: Religious freedom can’t be used to sidestep anti-discrimination laws, labor standards, child protection rules, or health care access; it can’t be used to deny government-provided benefits or services; and it can’t be used in lawsuits between private parties .