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Committee hears HB1615, a state religious-freedom measure; proponents and members raise access and recusal questions
Summary
The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB1615, a state religious-freedom bill, with proponents arguing it fills gaps in state law and members pressing for clarity on how recusal and access to marriage licenses would work.
Representative Lundstrom presented HB1615, a bill intended to protect individuals and religious organizations from certain forms of government discrimination related to religious beliefs.
The sponsor brought witnesses including two attorneys who described the bill as filling perceived gaps in state protection for religious freedom beyond the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. One witness said the bill prevents government from forcing people to speak or act contrary to their beliefs and argued Arkansas should protect…
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