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“This victory would not have been possible without the unrelenting advocacy of a broad coalition of humanists, atheists, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and more, including our partners at SCA and its member organizations. It's a testament to how we can work together to address a crisis that impacts us all...And to the 84 countries that still have blasphemy laws, I'll say this: the U.S. House of Representatives has officially put you on notice,” stated Rachel Deitch, Director of Policy and Social Justice at the American Humanist Association.
Rep. Raskin’s resolution calls on the President and the Department of State to make the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws a priority in bilateral relationships between the United States and countries that have such laws; to designate countries that enforce such laws as countries of particular concern for religious freedom; and finally to oppose efforts by the United Nations to implement an international anti-blasphemy norm. The resolution also calls on the governments of countries that enforce such laws to amend or repeal them, and release anyone imprisoned for violation of such laws.
While a resolution is non-binding, it can have significant implications towards shaping U.S. foreign policy, and advancing global advocacy efforts. The Secular Coalition for America and our 19 member organizations will continue to advocate for religious freedom both at home and abroad.
SCA looks forward to seeing Senator Lankford’s (R-OK) companion bill, S.Res. 458 adopted in that chamber, and continued bipartisan progress on issues of religious freedom here in the U.S. and around the world.
As we approach the 117th Congress, which begins in a few short weeks, I hope that you will continue to assist us in our fight for secular values. If you would like to help, please click the “I want to help!” button below. Every dollar goes towards ensuring our secular government as enshrined in the Constitution.
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