Montgomery (AL) – Governor Kay Ivey signed Friday’s Executive Order 733, “Promoting & Defending Religious Liberty Through Implementation Of The Alabama Religious Freedom Amendment,” in order to strengthen Alabama’s protections for religious freedom.
Governor Ivey stated that religious freedom is the foundation of American life. He said, “Religious freedom, which is the cornerstone American way of living, is my responsibility as governor. I will ensure that Alabamians have the right to practice their beliefs in accordance with the Constitution.” “As I promised, my watch will ensure that our state government reflects the values of our citizens.
Executive Order 733 is designed to enforce the Alabama Religious Freedom Amendment. It was proposed and ratified by Congress in 1998 to address federal court decisions that were hostile to free expression of religion.
The order outlines several established legal principles that provide religious-liberty protections to professionals and businesses who hold a government license, state contractors and grant recipients. It also provides benefits recipients and recipients of state benefits. One provision states that state executive-branch agencies must consider the potential impact on religious exercise before they make administrative rules. Another provision requires agencies that state employees can express their faith in the same way as they allow employees to express their beliefs.
Governor Ivey is known for his commitment to religious freedom in Alabama. Recently, Governor Ivey met Oakwood Academy’s boys basketball team following the forfeiture of a playoff game by the Seventh Day Adventist school due to their observances of the Sabbath. Since then, the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s (AHSAA), policy that caused the forfeiture of the team has been modified to accommodate faith-based scheduling requests. Governor Alabama is determined to ensure that Alabama’s government reflects the values of its citizens.
