Religious liberty bill

Religious freedom is the subject of legislation currently under consideration in Congress.

The bipartisan "Religious Liberty Protection Act" (S.2148/H.R. 4019) would make it more difficult for government to pass laws interfering with religious freedom. However, the bill's language could jeopardize state and local government's ability to protect children from abuse and neglect, according to the Academy.

If the legislation passes, any action child protective services agencies should take in child abuse cases could be delayed, particularly instances in which parents cite a religious belief for denying medical care to their children.