These two states are protecting religious liberty.
In West Virginia and Utah, recent legislative actions aimed at safeguarding religious freedom and free speech have garnered bipartisan support, showcasing a shared commitment to these fundamental rights.
In West Virginia, Governor Jim Justice, a Republican, endorsed Senate Bill 503, which focuses on upholding “freedom of association and nondiscrimination” within public colleges and universities. The bill received strong backing from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, passing through the state Senate and House with significant bipartisan support.
This legislation modifies existing state law to ensure that student organizations are not compelled to be “open to all students” but can instead maintain their own beliefs, standards, and missions without facing discrimination. Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal organization known for championing religious freedom cases, lauded the bill’s enactment, emphasizing the importance of protecting belief-based student groups from undue interference.
Meanwhile, in Utah, Governor Spencer Cox, also a Republican, signed Senate Bill 150, known as the “Exercise of Religion Amendments.” This bill, set to become effective on May 1, reinforces freedom of religion as a fundamental right. It passed unanimously through the state’s Republican-controlled House and Senate.
The legislation mirrors the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, providing individuals with legal recourse if they believe their religious exercise is substantially burdened by government actions. Notably, it establishes a fair process for resolving disputes, requiring written notices before legal action can proceed against governmental entities accused of violating religious freedom.
Greg Chafuen of the Alliance Defending Freedom praised Utah’s move, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their beliefs or political affiliations, have a fair opportunity to defend their religious liberties in court.
These legislative actions come at a time when Christian campus groups nationwide have faced legal battles to protect their autonomy and uphold their religious principles. While these measures reflect progress in safeguarding religious freedom, they also underscore the need for consistent protections across all states. Currently, numerous states lack state-level equivalents of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, leaving citizens vulnerable to potential infringements on their religious liberties.
By enacting these laws, West Virginia and Utah are taking proactive steps to reinforce the importance of religious freedom and free speech within their respective jurisdictions, setting a precedent for other states to follow suit in prioritizing these fundamental rights.