January 16 is Religious Freedom Day
National Religious Freedom Day commemorates the Virginia General Assembly’s adoption of Thomas Jefferson’s landmark Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. This document became the basis for the separation of church and state, and led to freedom of religion for all Americans as protected in the religion clause in the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment.
Read moreFreedoms of Religion and Speech Are Indivisible, Interdependent
Freedom of religion or belief cannot be ensured without the vigorous protection of free speech. The two freedoms are indivisible and interdependent, and protect core aspects of the identity of both individuals and communities. Their equal protection promotes the debate and dissent that are essential to healthy societies, protects against discrimination, and helps unleash the potential of all individuals to participate in political, social and economic life.
Read morePromoting Respect for Religious Differences
A core element of the right to speak one’s mind includes the ability to espouse and practice whatever religious beliefs one chooses. Debates over theological differences have been a vibrant part of the American marketplace of ideas since the time of the Pilgrims, and our Constitution’s First Amendment enshrines free speech as a core value.
Read moreUSG response to OHCHR regarding the Defamation of Religions resolution
We are writing in response to your letter dated June 10, 2009 referring to Human Rights Council resolution 10/22 of March 26, 2009 entitled “Combating Defamation of Religions,” which requests the High Commissioner to report on the implementation of the resolution to the Human Rights Council at its twelfth session. Resolution 10/22 was adopted by a splintered vote of 23 (in favor), 11 (against), and 12 abstentions.
Read moreUSG response to OHCHR regarding the Defamation of Religions resolution – Tab1
USG response to OHCHR regarding the Defamation of Religions resolution – Tab2
Item 8: Follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action
The Vienna Declaration and Program of Action adopted in 1993 is a vision for the implementation of universal human rights that still challenges us in 2009. One of the most striking statements in the VDPA is the recognition and affirmation that “all human rights derive from the dignity and worth inherent in the human person, and that the human person is the central subject of human rights and fundamental freedoms….”
The United States is concerned by encroachments on the universally agreed principle that it is individual human beings who hold rights and freedoms and who deserve protection. The concept of “defamation of religion” seeks to protect religions rather than individuals and some are now trying to expand references to “incitement to religious hatred” to include protection of religion.
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