New Jersey – Legislation Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer sponsored to ensure that nursing home residents have the right to receive foods that meet their respective religious dietary requirements was signed into law yesterday by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

The latest Schaer law amends and augments the state’s Nursing Home Bill of Rights, which safeguards the rights of nursing homes residents to specifically include protections for a resident to receive – upon request – meals that conform to their religious beliefs.

“Respecting every religion’s dietary laws must be part-and-parcel of the delivery of care in every New Jersey nursing home,” said Schaer (D-Passaic/Bergen/Essex). “No one should ever sign-away their rights to live and worship according to their beliefs when they enter a nursing home. Religious freedom has always been one of America’s core values and this law reflects and builds upon that time-honored tradition.”

That measure (A-2183/S-1218) is part of a package of religious accommodation bills that Schaer crafted to protect the sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices of New Jersey residents at schools, in employment, and at public facilities such as hospitals.

The law takes effect immediately.

(YWN Desk – NYC)