← Legal Glossary
RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act)
Definition
A 2000 federal statute that prohibits state and local governments from imposing substantial burdens on the religious exercise of institutionalized persons (primarily prisoners) unless the burden serves a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means. It applies to institutions that receive federal funds.
Examples
- •Louisiana's prison policy of forcibly shaving all inmates' hair allegedly violated RLUIPA by burdening Landor's religious practice of keeping his hair long.