AR gov signs bill protecting religious freedom

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Greg Chafuen regarding Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ signing of the Conscience Protection Act, a bill that ensures that Arkansans are free to live and work according to their faith without fear of unjust government punishment:

“Citizens should be able to stand up for their rights when the government stops them from living and worshiping according to their faith. The Conscience Protection Act strengthens Arkansans’ religious freedom rights by bolstering existing protections in the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act and ensuring the government will not discriminate against religious individuals and organizations. The law doesn’t determine who will win every disagreement, but it does ensure that all Arkansans—regardless of their religious creed or political power—receive a fair hearing if government action forces them to violate their religious beliefs. As the Supreme Court wrote in the ADF case Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer, to discriminate on the basis of religious identity ‘is odious to our Constitution…and cannot stand.’ We commend the Arkansas Legislature, Rep. Robin Lundstrom, and Gov. Huckabee Sanders for enacting this important legislation, ensuring that freedom of religion is protected for all Arkansans.”

• Pronunciation guide: Chafuen (CHAFF’-wen)

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

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