Georgia has become the 30th U.S. state to pass its own Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), with Governor Brian Kemp signing Senate Bill 36 into law last Friday.

The legislation affirms that the state cannot significantly burden an individual’s religious exercise unless it serves a compelling government interest and does so in the least restrictive way possible.

According to The Christian Post, the bill passed the Georgia Senate and House largely along party lines, drawing strong support from Republicans and cautious opposition from most Democrats.

The new law gives individuals the right to seek legal remedy if they believe their religious freedom has been violated.

It defines religious exercise broadly, extending protections to practices whether or not they are central to a specific faith tradition.

Supporters say the law ensures faith-based rights are fairly considered in court.

“This law provides a sensible balancing test for courts to use when reviewing government policies that infringe upon the religious freedom rights of Georgians,” Greg Chafuen said, senior counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom.

“It doesn't determine who will win every disagreement, but it does ensure that every person… receives a fair hearing.”

Georgia now joins a list of 29 other states, including Texas, Florida, and Virginia, that have enacted similar protections at the state level.