84R1348 SCL-D
By: Campbell S.J.R. No. 10
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment relating to an individual's or
religious organization's freedom of religion.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 6, Article I, Texas Constitution, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 6. (a) All men have a natural and indefeasible right
to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own
consciences. No man shall be compelled to attend, erect or support
any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his
consent. No human authority ought, in any case whatever, to control
or interfere with the rights of conscience in matters of religion,
and no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious
society or mode of worship.
(b) Government may not burden an individual's or religious
organization's freedom of religion or right to act or refuse to act
in a manner motivated by a sincerely held religious belief unless
the government proves that the burden is in furtherance of a
compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means
of furthering that interest. For purposes of this subsection, the
term "burden" includes indirect burdens such as withholding
benefits, assessing penalties, and denying access to facilities or
programs.
(c) But it shall be the duty of the Legislature to pass such
laws as may be necessary to protect equally every religious
denomination in the peaceable enjoyment of its own mode of public
worship.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2015.
The ballot shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment relating to an
individual's or religious organization's freedom of religion."