Risch, Colleagues Introduce Resolution in Support of Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Dave McCormick (R-Penn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Barasso (R-Wyo.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas), introduced legislation expressing the need for America's continued leadership on matters of religious freedom.

"Around the world, religious freedom is under attack. Whether in China, Syria, across Africa, or beyond, Christians face alarming levels of persecution, from social discrimination to legal restrictions to systematic oppression. All people deserve the internationally recognized right to practice their freedom of religion, share their convictions, and live according to their beliefs without fear of reprisal. Here in America, we believe that all people are endowed with inalienable rights from their Creator and that religious freedom is a cornerstone of any free nation. America must continue to be a leader in defending religious freedom at home and abroad, and we must push our allies to do so as well," said Senator Risch.

"Religious persecution is one of the worst forms of oppression because it denies people their basic freedom and dignity. As the world's leading democratic nation, founded on the very principle of religious freedom, we cannot allow the targeting of people of faith to go unchecked in countries such as China, Nigeria, Iran, and Syria. Freedom and the right to worship are inseparable, and it is our responsibility to lead in exposing and confronting these grave injustices around the world," said Senator Budd.

"Religious freedom is an inalienable right and the bedrock principle of a free nation. Protecting the rights of individuals to express their religious beliefs without threat of discrimination or harm by the government or others is of paramount importance, and the United States must continue to lead the defense of this right globally," said Senator Crapo.

"The free exercise of religion is a cornerstone of our Constitution and a fundamental human right. At home and across the globe, everyone deserves to practice their faith without fear, coercion, or persecution," said Senator Barrasso. "America must continue to lead the world in defending and advancing religious freedom against those who seek to destroy it."

"As people of faith face persecution around the world, the United States must continue to stand for religious freedom," said Senator Young. "This legislation reaffirms our commitment to defending religious liberty and pushes our allies to do the same."

Religious freedom is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of our nation's founding. Yet millions around the world are denied the basic freedom to worship and openly express their faith," said Senator Scott. "The United States must remain a beacon for religious freedom and stand with those who seek nothing more than the ability to worship freely and without fear."

"The United States must continue bearing the standard for religious liberty. Faith is a matter of individual conscience, and no government has the right to punish or promote any religion. As we witness horrific persecution around the world, American leadership can push back, showing both the faithful and their oppressors that every human being should be free to worship as they see fit," said Senator Wicker.

"America has always been a leader in religious freedom. But around the globe, religious minorities are being persecuted. We cannot accept this violent persecution. I will always stand in defense of religious freedom," said Senator Ricketts.

"Liberty begins with worshiping according to one's conscience without fear of persecution or punishment, which is why I'm proud to cosponsor this resolution alongside Chairman Risch to promote the fundamental right to freedom of religion in America and across the globe," said Senator Cornyn.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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