Relates to the display of religious items on dwellings

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic11
• Republican4

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Shelley Mayer says this is needed

This legislation aims to protect the rights of an individual to display a religious item on their door or doorframe. Many faiths require or encourage practicing members to display or affix items to their door or entry. According to the Jewish faith, a mezuzah must be placed on the entrances of a Jewish residence (Deuteronomy 6:9 and Deuteronomy 11:20). A mezuzah is a small parchment scroll containing two passages of reli- gious text, enclosed in a small case affixed to the doorframe. Practic- ing Hindus may adorn their doorways with a toran, colorful hangings which bless their home and welcome guests.1 Currently, Connecticut, Florida, Rhode Island, Illinois and Texas2 prohibit restrictions on the placement of religious objects, including mezuzahs, on outer doorposts or doors. Although there are protections in federal law against religious discrim- ination in housing, federal courts have determined these protections do not extend to the right to place a mezuzah, toran or other religious item on a doorway, if hallway items are banned for all residences regardless of their religious beliefs (see Bloch v. Frischholz, 533 F.3d 562 (7th Cir. 2008), aff'd. in part, rev'd. in part, 587 F.3d 771 (7th Cir. 2009, en Banc)). This legislation seeks to protect the religious rights of Jewish people, practicing Hindus, and members of other religions to attach a religious item on their doorframe or entry door with appropriate restrictions. It will prevent homeowners associations or other entities from prohibiting individuals from displaying religious items on their door or doorframe.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.