The Assembly today passed two measures Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer crafted to protect the sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices of New Jersey residents nursing homes and schools.

“Religious freedom has always been one of America’s core values and this bill will reflect and build upon that time-honored tradition,” said Schaer (D-Passaic).

The first Schaer measure (A-2183) would ensure that all nursing home residents have access to foods that meet their respective religious dieting requirements and are not required to partake in any form of labor on the Sabbath, which has been interpreted in some faiths to include writing.

The bill would amend the Nursing Home Bill of Rights to protect the rights of nursing homes residents.  Provisions of this law include proper documentation of personal belongings, accommodation for religious observances, protection against various discrimination’s and protection from undue physical duress.

The legislation passed the Assembly 77-0-1. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

The second piece of legislation, (A-422) would require all New Jersey colleges and universities to make accommodations for students whose religious obligations prevent participation in a test schedule on the date of religious observance, such as the Jewish observances of Rosh Hashanah, the Islamic celebration of Eid al-Fitr, and Christian observances of Ash Wednesday.

Administrators of standardized tests – such as the Graduate Record Examination, Medical College Admission Test, Law School Admission Test – similarly would be required to provide alternative testing arrangements.

Institutions and standardized test administrators may request a student provide a written explanation of the conflict signed by clergy from their place of worship.

“No student should have to choose between compromising their religious beliefs and taking a failing grade on an exam,” said Schaer. “New Jersey’s colleges and universities must respect the religious beliefs of their students and provide an alternate time and place for testing when exam schedules and religious observances coincide.”

This measure passed the Assembly 78-0. It now heads to the Governor, who may sign it, veto it or modify it in the form of a conditional veto.