Judiciary Committee advances Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act after lengthy debate

The Judiciary Committee advanced House Bill 207, the Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act, on a voice roll call of 8 ayes and 1 no after more than two hours of testimony and questions that ranged from constitutional history to practical effects on state government operations.

Representative Wausch, the bill’s lead sponsor, opened the committee presentation by reading from the Wyoming Constitution and describing the bill as restoring the strict‑scrutiny standard courts historically applied to government burdens on religious exercise. "The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall forever be guaranteed in this state," he read aloud and said that ‘‘that’s why we’re here today. That’s what this bill pertains to." Representative Wausch walked the committee through the bill’s text, noting it would define "burden," "compelling governmental interest," and "state action," and that remedies under the bill would include injunctive and declaratory relief, compensatory damages, costs, and attorney’s fees. The bill lists an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Supporters said the measure restores a higher judicial review standard that Congress adopted in 1993 and that about 28 states (and additional states by judicial decision) have adopted in some form. Nathan Winters, president of the Wyoming Family Alliance, told…