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The bill requires the gov- ernment to show a compelling interest prior to instituting any restrictions on religious prac- tices. The measure passed the House by unanimous vote in May. All that remains is House approval of several technical changes made by the Senate. No problems are expected, and some Jewish activists expect that a final bill could be on the president's desk as early as this weekend. Jewish groups were quick to claim their portion of credit for passage of the important mea- sure. And much of that credit was well deserved. The Union of American He- brew Congregations, Agudath Israel of America, the American Jewish Congress, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations and the American Jewish Com- mittee all played significant roles in the grueling two-year legislative battle, which was complicated by Roman Catholic claims that the bill would en- courage abortion. Jewish activists praised the active role played by Maryland Atty. Gen. Joe Curran and his New York counterpart, Robert Abrams, who helped head off a potentially crippling amend- ment backed by many of their colleagues that would have ex- empted prisons from the reli- gious liberties provisions. The exemption was opposed by Jew- ish groups, which cited the problems faced by observant prisoners as one reason the law was needed. There was also praise for ad- ministration officials. "The religious community owes a tremendous debt of grat- itude to Atty. Gen. (Janet) Reno," said Aron Raskas, a Bal- timore lawyer and activist with the Orthodox Union. Mr. Raskas referred to a let- ter from Ms. Reno dismissing the argument by many attor- neys general that the religious freedom bill would open the door to extravagant demands by prison inmates. Last week's Senate action capped a legislative battle that began in 1991, when Jewish and Protestant activists joined forces with groups like the American Civil Liberties Union to seek a legislative remedy for the High Court decision in Smith v. Employment Division of Oregon, the so-called peyote case. Before "Smith," a state had to demonstrate a compelling state interest when it sought to limit a religious practice. In a surprisingly broad decision, the High Court removed that re- quirement in the controversial case. That decision has already been cited in dozens of subse- quent lower court decisions on issues like unnecessary autop- sies. Although no laws restricting Jewish observance have been passed as a result, the decision could have legalized measures limiting ritual slaughter, the use of wine in religious obser- vance and "even the practice of circumcision," according to Rep. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., a principle sponsor. The Senate vote represented a "restoration of a basic right," said Nathan Lewin, a top Washington constitutional lawyer and advocate for Jewish causes. "What it means is that "It is an auspicious day for the Jewish community and for all religious minorities." the government will once again have to give a good reason be- fore limiting a religious prac- tice." And that, he said, is impor- tant for Jews of every level of observance. "It is an auspicious day for the Jewish community and for all religious minorities," said Abba Cohen, Washington rep- resentative for Agudath Israel of America. Orthodox groups like Agudath, he said, will now turn their attention to a "reli- gious accommodations" mea- sure to be introduced soon by Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y. That bill would make it easier for employees whose religious observances may occasionally require special accommodations by their employers. ❑