42 U.S.C. § 2000bb–1. Free exercise of religion protected

1. (a)
   (a)

   In general

   Government shall not substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except as provided in subsection (b).
2. (b)
   (b)

   Exception

   Government may substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person—

   1. (1)
      (b)(1)is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and
   2. (2)
      (b)(2)is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
3. (c)
   (c)

   Judicial relief

   A person whose religious exercise has been burdened in violation of this section may assert that violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding and obtain appropriate relief against a government. Standing to assert a claim or defense under this section shall be governed by the general rules of standing under article III of the Constitution.