Bill to protect Washingtonians religious information becomes law

In a landmark decision for religious privacy rights, Governor Jay Inslee has enacted House Bill 2097, which prohibits the disclosure of individuals' religious affiliations to federal authorities in Washington State. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Derek Stanford and supported by Sen. Guy Palumbo, aims to strengthen protections against religious discrimination in various sectors, including employment and public agency practices. Under the new law, employers are prohibited from requiring employees to reveal their religious beliefs, and public agencies are restricted from using their resources to compile such information for immigration or law enforcement purposes.

Local and state law enforcement agencies face limitations on collecting data regarding individuals' religious affiliations, underscoring the commitment to safeguarding personal privacy. Palumbo highlighted the importance of the law, stating that it ensures that individuals' religions cannot be weaponized against them. The law also exempts religious affiliation information from the state Public Records Act, further bolstering the confidentiality of such sensitive data. This legislation reflects a growing trend toward protecting religious freedoms and privacy in the face of increasing scrutiny and potential discrimination. With this law, Washington sets a precedent for other states to follow in the pursuit of religious privacy rights.