---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 2000bb–4"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "2000bb–4"
heading: "Establishment clause unaffected"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/2000bb-4"
units:
  - "Chapter 21B — Religious Freedom Restoration"
---

# §2000bb–4. Establishment clause unaffected


Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect, interpret, or in any way address that portion of the First Amendment prohibiting laws respecting the establishment of religion (referred to in this section as the “Establishment Clause”). Granting [government](/usc/42/2000bb–2.md?p=1) funding, benefits, or exemptions, to the extent permissible under the Establishment Clause, shall not constitute a [violation](/usc/42/2000e–16a.md?p=c) of this chapter. As used in this section, the term “granting”, used with respect to [government](/usc/42/2000bb–2.md?p=1) funding, benefits, or exemptions, does not include the denial of [government](/usc/42/2000bb–2.md?p=1) funding, benefits, or exemptions.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 103–141, § 7, Nov. 16, 1993, 107 Stat. 1489.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 103–141, Nov. 16, 1993, 107 Stat. 1488, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000bb of this title and Tables.