A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

Key Points

• This resolution declares that the right to practice any religion—or no religion at all—is a basic human right. It states that protecting this freedom should be a top priority for how the United States interacts with other countries to help foster global peace and stability.
• The document highlights serious human rights violations in several countries, including the imprisonment of over 1,000,000 people in China and the destruction of hundreds of churches, mosques, and other holy sites in places like Burma, India, and Ukraine.
• It calls on the State Department to use its power to punish people and governments that attack religious groups. This includes using sanctions, which are financial penalties that can block bad actors from using the United States banking system or traveling to the country.
• The resolution also suggests that the United States should look at a country's record on religious freedom before agreeing to any new free trade deals. This would use American economic influence to encourage other nations to protect the rights of their citizens.
• The Senate expresses grave concern over the thousands of people who were imprisoned or killed for their faith in 2023. It specifically condemns laws in 96 countries that make it a crime to speak out against a religion or to change one's faith.

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