U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and several Senate Republican colleagues have introduced a resolution supporting continued American leadership on international religious freedom. The legislation comes amid ongoing reports of faith-based persecution in countries such as China, Syria, and across Africa.
Senator Young stated, “As people of faith face persecution around the world, the United States must continue to stand for religious freedom. This legislation reaffirms our commitment to defending religious liberty and pushes our allies to do the same.”
Senator Risch added, “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.”
Senator Budd commented, “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.”
Senator Crapo said, “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.”
Senator Barrasso stated, “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. America must continue to lead the world in defending and advancing religious freedom against those who seek to destroy it.”
Senator Scott remarked: “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. 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.”
According to Senator Wicker: “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.”
Senator Ricketts said: “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.”
Senator Cornyn added: “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.”
The legislation was introduced by Senators Young; Jim Risch (R-Idaho); Ted Budd (R-N.C.); Dave McCormick (R-Penn.); Mike Crapo (R-Idaho); John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
Full text of this legislation can be found here.
Todd Young represents Indiana in the U.S. Senate since 2017 according to his official website. He serves on committees related to finance; commerce; science; transportation; small business; entrepreneurship; and intelligence as detailed online. Young has championed various policies including national security initiatives like semiconductor manufacturing through sponsorships such as the CHIPS and Science Act per his office.
