Kansas Values Protection Act

KANSAS VALUES PROTECTION ACT (KVPA) An Act to protect the free exercise of religion, affirm traditional values in public institutions, and ensure conscience protections in the state of Kansas. SECTION 1. TITLE This Act shall be known as the "Kansas Values Protection Act." SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE (a) The Legislature finds that: The free exercise of religion is a foundational right secured by the United States Constitution and the Kansas Constitution. Recent developments in law and policy have created ambiguity regarding the rights of individuals, educators, students, and institutions to express or act upon sincerely held religious beliefs. Public institutions should reflect the values and traditions of the people of Kansas, including the recognition of faith and moral conscience in public life. Kansas has a compelling interest in preserving the right of its citizens to live in accordance with their faith without coercion, discrimination, or government interference. (b) Therefore, the purpose of this Act is: To affirm and protect the rights of individuals and institutions to exercise religious beliefs publicly and privately. To ensure that no individual or institution is compelled to act against sincerely held religious beliefs. To preserve and promote traditional Kansas values in public policy and education. SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS As used in this Act: "Public institution" means any state-funded entity, including public schools, universities, agencies, and departments. "Sincerely held religious belief" means a belief arising from a system of religious or moral conviction, whether formally organized or individually maintained. "Conscience-based objection" means the refusal to participate in or affirm conduct that conflicts with religious or moral beliefs. SECTION 4. FREE EXERCISE PROTECTIONS (a) A public institution shall not penalize, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any individual, student, or employee on the basis of: Public expression of religious belief; Conscience-based objections to policies, programs, or training deemed inconsistent with their faith or moral convictions; Refusal to participate in mandatory activities or instruction involving topics of gender identity, sexual orientation, or other subjects that conflict with sincerely held religious beliefs. SECTION 5. PROTECTION FOR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS (a) No public school teacher or employee shall be required to use pronouns, titles, or language that contradict their religious or moral beliefs. (b) Students shall have the right to express religious views in assignments, speeches, and public forums without penalty or censorship, so long as it is within the scope of the assignment and school rules. (c) Classroom instruction or library materials that contain content related to gender identity, sexuality, or religious critique must be opt-out eligible with parental consent. SECTION 6. CURRICULUM ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY (a) All public school districts shall publish detailed lists of instructional materials and library acquisitions online for public review. (b) School boards shall be required to establish a Community Values Review Board, composed of parents and local stakeholders, to review contested educational content. (c) Materials deemed inconsistent with traditional community standards or religious values may be restricted, relocated, or removed through majority board vote. SECTION 7. PUBLIC DISPLAYS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FAITH (a) Public institutions may allow voluntary prayer, the display of religious symbols, and other faith-based expressions in public spaces, provided they do not compel participation. (b) This section shall not be construed to violate the Establishment Clause but affirms the role of voluntary religious expression in civic life. SECTION 8. NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE (a) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit discrimination in employment, housing, or essential services. (b) Protections for religious conscience must be balanced with access to public goods, provided reasonable accommodations can be made. SECTION 9. ENFORCEMENT AND LEGAL STANDING (a) Any individual or institution aggrieved by a violation of this Act shall have standing to bring a civil action against the offending entity. (b) Courts shall apply strict scrutiny to any state action that substantially burdens religious freedom under this Act. SECTION 10. SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect. SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE This Act shall take effect upon its passage and publication in the official state register.