House Resolution 512 calls for the repeal of global blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws.
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Friends,

Freedom of religion is under siege.

Just a week ago, Attorney General Bill Barr used his platform as a government official to blame secularism for all of society's ills, including drug addiction, suicide, community violence, and struggles with mental health.

That same day, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo one-upped him, giving a speech about "Being a Christian Leader" and later promoting it on the State Department's homepage.

We fought back ([link removed]) both times ([link removed]) , reinforcing that it is unacceptable for government officials to turn their public office into a pulpit. And we will continue to call out these abuses of power and make them an issue in the 2020 election⁠—something we're in a better position to do after the DNC resolved this summer that our values should be represented, included, and heard ([link removed]) .

While the White House continues to demonize our community, we've been hard at work on Capitol Hill and we're making progress.

One key bill we're fighting for, House Resolution 512 ([link removed]) , sends a message not only to the Administration, but also to world leaders around the globe, that attacks on religious freedom cannot stand.

As Americans, we are truly lucky to live in a country where citizens can push back against theocracy. Other nations don't guarantee that right and instead, their citizens are subject to blasphemy, apostasy, and heresy laws that punish any criticism, expression, or practice of beliefs that do not conform to the state religion.

Pakistan's blasphemy law penalties range from fines to a death sentence for anyone who insults Islam. The men above are part of a 2018 multi-day protest against the blasphemy acquittal of a Pakistani Christian. [📷 Faisal Mahmood/Reuters]

Blasphemy laws don't just hurt the secular community, they affect all religious sects and political dissidents. Too often, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and other religious minorities are imprisoned, tortured, sentenced to death, and executed for blasphemy offenses.

Our nation must take a stand for our values and call for an end to blasphemy laws worldwide.
Tell Congress to oppose global blasphemy laws ([link removed])

As House Resolution 512 says, “blasphemy laws are inconsistent with international human rights standards, as they protect beliefs over individuals and often result in violations of the freedoms of religion and expression.”

It also calls upon the President and State Department to: make the end of blasphemy laws a key component in foreign relations; oppose any anti-blasphemy efforts at the UN: and designate states that enforce blasphemy laws as “countries of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.

The Resolution already has bipartisan support, but it will drop off Congress' radar if we don't keep up the pressure.

As we fight to protect our secular constitution at home, we must also fight to protect our peers abroad. Please, join us in urging your Congressional Representatives to support this anti-blasphemy resolution. ([link removed])
Add your voice in support of H.Res. 512 ([link removed])
P.S. We can't fight these battles on Capitol Hill without your support. If what we do matters to you, please consider donating to the Secular Coalition for America ([link removed]) today.

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Contributions to the Secular Coalition for America are not tax-deductible; they support our effective, citizen-based advocacy and lobbying efforts. Tax-deductible donations, including from Donor Advised Funds and IRA Rollovers, can be made to the Secular Coalition for America Education Fund.



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