Bill
HR 1954
The Do No Harm Act ensures individuals access healthcare and services without discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, limiting religious exemptions.
The Do No Harm Act (HR 1954) was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 6, 2025. The bill aims to amend existing laws to ensure that religious beliefs do not infringe upon the rights of individuals, particularly in the context of healthcare and social services.
The primary intent of the Do No Harm Act is to prevent the misuse of religious exemptions that could lead to discrimination against individuals in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and employment. The bill seeks to uphold the principle that no one should be denied access to essential services based on the religious beliefs of service providers.
The Do No Harm Act includes several significant provisions:
Clarification of Religious Exemptions: The bill clarifies that religious exemptions cannot be used to justify discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.
Protection of Access to Services: It ensures that individuals have access to healthcare, education, and other services without being subjected to discrimination under the guise of religious freedom.
Impact on Federal and State Laws: The bill would amend the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to limit the scope of religious exemptions, thereby reinforcing the rights of individuals over the claims of religious entities.
The Do No Harm Act would impact:
Healthcare Providers: Ensuring that patients receive care without discrimination based on personal characteristics.
Educational Institutions: Protecting students from being denied access to educational resources or programs due to the religious beliefs of the institution.
Employees and Job Seekers: Safeguarding individuals from discriminatory practices in hiring and employment based on religious exemptions claimed by employers.
The bill is sponsored by Robert C. "Bobby" Scott and has a substantial number of cosponsors, including notable representatives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jerrold Nadler, and Maxine Waters. The broad support indicates a significant interest in addressing the issues of discrimination and access to services.
The Do No Harm Act has a companion bill in the Senate, S 894, which aims to address similar issues regarding religious exemptions and discrimination.
This summary provides a clear understanding of the Do No Harm Act, its objectives, and its potential implications for individuals and service providers across various sectors.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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