Faith is a guiding force for many in the United States, providing purpose and unity. The Constitution protects the right of every American to practice their faith freely or not at all. This principle is celebrated on Religious Freedom Day, reaffirming the commitment to safeguard this right both domestically and internationally.
Despite living in a nation that embraces diverse beliefs, fear of practicing one's faith persists due to potential violence and intimidation. The past year has seen increased antisemitism following Hamas's attack on Israel and a rise in Islamophobia. President Biden stated, "Hate has no safe harbor here in America." Globally, minority communities face violence and lack equal legal protection.
The Biden Administration is dedicated to ensuring people can live out their convictions safely. Collaborating with Congress, they secured significant funding for the security of non-profit organizations, including places of worship. An inter-agency group was established to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, and related biases within the U.S., releasing national strategies aimed at protecting Jewish and Muslim communities.
Internationally, promoting religious freedom remains a priority as it aligns with human rights principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The administration allocated $100 million for global religious freedom initiatives and provided substantial support for victims fleeing religious persecution. Efforts include sanctions against individuals involved in human rights abuses under the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program.
President Biden highlighted these commitments by stating: "We are also working to promote and protect religious freedom worldwide... My Administration has provided $100 million to promote religious freedom worldwide."
The proclamation ends with President Biden officially designating January 16, 2025, as Religious Freedom Day: "NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America... do hereby proclaim January 16, 2025, as Religious Freedom Day."
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