LRB-2421/1
SRM:kjf:jf
2013 - 2014 LEGISLATURE
May 30, 2013 - Introduced by Senators Leibham, Grothman, Kedzie, Lazich and
Moulton, cosponsored by Representatives Craig, Jacque, Bernier,
Thiesfeldt, Sanfelippo, A. Ott, Tittl, Stroebel, Brooks, T. Larson, Born,
Kestell, Kapenga, Nass, Hutton, Krug, Endsley and Pridemore. Referred
to Committee on Judiciary and Labor.
SJR38,1,2 1To amend section 18 of article I of the constitution; relating to: religious liberty and
2the right of conscience (first consideration).
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
  This constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2013 legislature on first
consideration, protects the right of conscience from state action. It prohibits the state
from burdening the right of conscience unless it proves it has a compelling interest
and the burden is the least-restrictive alternative. It further defines burden to
include indirect burdens such as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or
exclusion from programs or access to facilities.
  A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive
legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective.
SJR38,1,3 3Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That:
SJR38,1 4Section 1. Section 18 of article I of the constitution is amended to read:
SJR38,2,95 [Article I] Section 18. The right of every person to worship Almighty God
6according to the dictates of conscience shall never be infringed; nor shall any person
7be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship, or to maintain any
8ministry, without consent; nor shall any control of, or interference with, the rights

1of conscience be permitted, or any preference be given by law to any religious
2establishments or modes of worship; nor shall any money be drawn from the treasury
3for the benefit of religious societies, or religious or theological seminaries. The right
4of conscience, which includes the right to engage in activity or refrain from activity
5based on a sincerely held religious belief, shall not be burdened unless the state
6proves it has a compelling interest in infringing upon the specific action or refusal
7to act, and the burden is the least-restrictive alternative to the state's action. A
8burden to the right of conscience includes indirect burdens, such as withholding
9benefits, assessing penalties, or exclusion from programs or access to facilities.
SJR38,2,12 10Be it further resolved, That this proposed amendment be referred to the
11legislature to be chosen at the next general election and that it be published for three
12months previous to the time of holding such election.
SJR38,2,1313 (End)
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