PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1407-1409)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 17, 2005
Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2005 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to modify the definition of "religion" for purposes of coverage under that Act by requiring employers to make an affirmative and bona fide effort to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of employees. Defines the term "perform the essential functions" to exclude practices having a temporary or tangential impact on an employee's ability to perform job functions, such as practices relating to clothing or taking time off work. Sets forth factors to consider in determining whether an accommodation causes undue hardship. Defines "employee" to require an ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Requires removal of the conflict between employment requirements and the employee's religious practices in order for an accommodation to be considered reasonable.
Considers an employer's refusal to permit an employee's use of general leave to remove a religious conflict solely because the leave will be used to accommodate religious practices to be an unlawful employment practice.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
States that the amendments made by this Act do not apply with respect to conduct occurring prior to enactment.
People & committees
Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] · R–PA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1407-1409)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3057-3058)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3057)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Feb 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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