Virginia passes law defining religion as including ‘outward expression,' not just ‘belief’

Virginia passes law defining religion as including 'outward expression,' not just 'belief'

Christian Post,

Virginia's Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed a law that legally defines religion as including actions and expressions, not just personal belief, which is viewed as a win by religious liberty advocates.

Known as House Bill 1063, the legislation defines the word "religion" as meaning "any outward expression of religious faith, including adherence to religious dressing and grooming practices and the carrying or display of religious items or symbols."

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter told The Christian Post in a statement Tuesday that the legislation is a "modest step" to advance religious liberty in Virginia.

"Governor Youngkin has a firm spiritual foundation that guides his entire life and will use every ounce of his authority to protect Virginians' First Amendment right to freely live out their faith," Porter said. "HB 1063 is a modest step toward preserving religious freedom in the Commonwealth and the Governor hopes to continue to build on that in the future."

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