MS SB2822

Amends Section 11-61-1 of Mississippi Code to clarify and expand the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act, effective July 1, 2016.

Expands the definition of "person" protected under the act to include natural persons, religious leaders/clergy, artificial persons (including religious organizations and religious-based foster/adoptive agencies), and foster or adoptive parents.

Prohibits government from substantially burdening religious exercise, with specific protections for religious leaders and organizations to refuse to conduct marriages, and for individuals and private entities to refuse to provide marriage-related goods or services based on sincere religious belief or moral conviction.

Extends protection to religious-based foster or adoptive agencies and foster/adoptive parents to refuse services or raise children based on sincerely held religious beliefs, with government unable to discriminate against them.

Allows government to burden religious exercise only if it demonstrates the burden furthers a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of achieving that interest; permits those burdened to assert violations as a claim or defense in court.