Four United States senators have introduced a bipartisan resolution to support international religious freedom across the world.
Senators Chris Coons (D-Del), James Lankford (R-Okla), Tim Kaine (D-Va), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C) introduced the resolution on February 29 to express support for international religious freedom as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of U.S foreign policy amid concern over increased attacks on religious freedom worldwide.
The resolution urges the U.S State Department to expand its support for religious freedom around the world, including leveraging all diplomatic and sanctions tools available to hold violators of religion accountable.
It also encourages the State Department to promote religious freedom as a central tenet of U.S foreign policy implementation.
Among the groups supporting the legislation are the Alliance Defending Freedom, Global Christian Relief, Coalition for Jewish Values, Advancing American Freedom, International Conference of Evangelicals Chaplain Endorsers, and National Committee for Religious Freedom.
Others are Catholics Count, First Right Global, International Christian Ambassadors Association, International Christian Concern, Faith and Liberty, Religious Freedom Coalition and AdvanceUSA.
Senator Coon said, “The right to religious freedom is an American ideal and the cornerstone of our nation’s identity. Protecting religious minorities must remain central to American foreign policy, and we must call out and condemn attacks on religious people and nonbelievers alike. I’m proud to join with a bipartisan group of colleagues in this effort to make clear that this must remain a priority.
Senator Lankford, “The fundamental right of every person to have a faith, live your faith, change your faith, or have no faith at all must be recognized throughout the world. Countries like China, Russia, and Iran continue to target and persecute citizens for living this most basic freedom, which is why we are reaffirming our commitment to fight for religious freedom around the world.
The Virginia General Assembly passed a statue in 1786 that became the basis of religious freedom in America. Because of our example, many people who live in countries around the world where religious freedom is nonexistence see the U.S. as a beacon of hope – a place where people of all faiths can live in the same neighbourhoods, attend the same schools, and work side by side,” Senator Kaine said.
“Amid the sharp rise in attacks on faith-based communities, I’m joining my colleagues to send a clear message that we must work together to protect religious freedom at home and abroad.”
Senator Tillis said, “The United States must maintain our steadfast commitment to standing up for religious liberty. This resolution expresses our unwavering support for victims of religious persecution and reaffirms our support for safeguarding religious freedom worldwide.”
“USCIRF commends the senators’ bipartisan efforts to advance international religious freedom. We welcome this vital resolution and will continue to provide foreign policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief abroad. We also want to thank the Congress for its continued support of USCIRF,” USIRF Chairman Abraham Cooper and Vice Chair Frederick A. Davie.
“Twenty-five years after the enactment of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), religious freedom issues are more integrated than even into U.S. foreign relations, yet state and non-state actors around the globe continue to perpetrate or tolerate severe religious persecution.
“In too many countries, individuals and communities are targeted for their religious beliefs, activity, or identity, or for their religious freedom advocacy. Those individuals and communities are why IRFA was enacted. They also are why global efforts to promote freedom of religion or belief for all remain essential today and in the future.”