RFRA was never meant to be a tool for discrimination. The Do No Harm Act would amend RFRA and restore the original intent of the legislation by specifically exempting areas of law where RFRA has been used as a disingenuous bypass of federal statute and regulation. These include well-settled areas of law designed to protect the most vulnerable populations, including child labor and abuse, equal employment and non-discrimination, health care, federal contracts and grants, and government services.

When passed into law over two decades ago, RFRA was supported by a broad coalition including many in the civil rights community. Designed to protect minority religious groups' constitutional right to free exercise, RFRA was welcomed as an important shield from the tyranny of majority rule.

Despite this focused, straightforward intent, individuals and even businesses have distorted RFRA's protections into a blank check to discriminate or to impose their religious beliefs on others. These claims have not only undermined the original power of RFRA to protect minority groups, but have also threatened the basic underpinnings of religious liberty and America's commitment to a pluralistic society.

The Do No Harm Act will guarantee the intended, sensible balance of religious liberties, government protections and individual rights.