Whereas, the First Amendment protects the right of all individuals to freely practice their religion

Whereas, there are medical practices that infringe upon the religious practices and values of certain religions

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Dixie

Section I. Short Title.

This bill shall be called the Conscience Protection Act of 2017.

Section II. Definitions.

a) Medical practice: Any service provided by a doctor or nurse performed upon a patient.

b) Health care provider: health care professional, health care facility, social services provider, health care professional training programs, and health insurer.

Section III. Discrimination.

(a) This bill prohibits state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities from penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortion and other practices. Health care providers include health care professionals, health care facilities, social services providers, health care professional training programs, and health insurers.

(b) The Dixie HHS is to work with the Dixie DOJ to investigate complaints of discrimination based on an individual’s religious belief or moral conviction.

(c) The Dixie DOJ or any entity adversely affected by such discrimination may obtain equitable or legal relief in a civil action. Administrative remedies do not need to be sought or exhausted prior to commencing an action or granting relief. Such an action may be brought against a governmental entity.

Section IV. Enactment.

This bill is enacted upon passage in the Dixie State Senate and Dixie Assembly.

This bill was adapted and used from Diane Black’s (R-TN) H.R. 644. https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/644

Sponsored by Speaker /u/JaguarsFan44