60-5303 - Exercise of religion; burden of proof; remedies.

60-5303. Exercise of religion; burden of proof; remedies. (a) Government shall not substantially burden a person's civil right to exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless such government demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence, that application of the burden to the person:

(1) Is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and

(2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.

(b) A person whose exercise of religion has been burdened, or is substantially likely to be burdened, in violation of this act, may assert such violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding. A court may grant appropriate relief as may be necessary including:

(1) Injunctive relief;

(2) protective order;

(3) writ of mandamus or prohibition;

(4) declaratory relief;

(5) actual damages; or

(6) costs and attorney fees determined by the court.

(c) Any person found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have abused the protection of this act by making a fraudulent claim may be enjoined from filing further claims under this act without leave of court.