Opinion ID: 1196688
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Least Restrictive Means and Compelling Government Interest

Text: Because the district court found no substantial burden on Nelson's religious exercise, it did not analyze whether defendant's procedures and conduct were in furtherance of a compelling government interest and the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling government interest under Section 1983, RLUIPA and IRFRA. See Thomas, 450 U.S. at 718, 101 S.Ct. 1425; 42 U.S.C.2000cc-1(a)(1) & (2); see also Koger, 523 F.3d at 800 (first considering whether prisoner had established a substantial burden and then analyzing whether prison officials had shown that their requirements were the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling governmental interest); 775 ILCS 35/15. Neither party has briefed this matter on appeal. Thus, we remand this issue to the district court for further consideration in light of this opinion.