Clinton Signs Religious Liberty Bill into Law

September 23, 2000

Source: Los Angeles Times

On September 23, 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported that "President Clinton signed into law Friday a bill designed to restore strong legal protections for religious freedom when conflicts arise with cities, zoning boards, prisons and nursing homes. 'Religious liberty is a constitutional value of the highest order, and the framers of the Constitution included protection for the free exercise of religion in the very first amendment,' Clinton said in a statement after signing the bill. 'This act recognizes the importance the free exercise of religion plays in our democratic society.' The law, which requires local officials to give special treatment to churches, synagogues and religious assemblies or lose their federal funding, is aimed at protecting historic cathedrals and storefront churches. Often these congregations run into conflicts with neighborhoods and business districts over parking, traffic, zoning or new construction, particularly if the members bring with them a new religion or style of worship. 'No government shall impose a land-use regulation in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person,' except where officials can show a 'compelling' reason, the law says."