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. | ChamberLight
Bills · SRES 52
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate Res.SRES 52Rule of law and government transparencyInternational organizations and cooperation
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.
INTRO FEB 4· LAST ACTION JUN 26
READING
10MIN
COSPONSORS
9BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Non-binding
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this resolution because it reaffirms a core American value—religious freedom—on the global stage. While it doesn't create new laws or spending, it signals to other countries, and to the U.S. State Department, that promoting and protecting religious freedom is a high priority for the U.S. government.
If this resolution passes, it reinforces the existing framework for U.S. foreign policy, potentially leading to more consistent advocacy for religious minorities abroad. If it doesn't pass, it could send a mixed message about the U.S. commitment to this issue, though the U.S. has existing laws and policies supporting international religious freedom. It helps maintain a moral stance and provides a basis for diplomatic actions concerning religious persecution worldwide.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Recognizes religious freedom as a fundamental right for all individuals.
This establishes the Senate's official position on religious freedom as a universal human right.
PROVISION 02
Expresses support for international religious freedom as a central part of United States foreign policy.
This signals that the U.S. will continue to prioritize religious freedom in its diplomatic relations and actions abroad.
PROVISION 03
Expresses concern over increased global threats and attacks on religious freedom.
This highlights the Senate's awareness of ongoing challenges and provides a basis for potential future diplomatic or legislative action.
PROVISION 04
Cites specific instances and countries where religious freedom is violated, including genocides and criminalization of blasphemy.
This demonstrates that the Senate's concern is based on concrete examples of persecution, making the resolution more impactful.
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 4, 2025
Senate Res.SRES 52Rule of law and government transparencyInternational organizations and cooperation
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.
Voters should care about this resolution because it reaffirms a core American value—religious freedom—on the global stage. While it doesn't create new laws or spending, it signals to other countries, and to the U.S. State Department, that promoting and protecting religious freedom is a high priority for the U.S. government.
If this resolution passes, it reinforces the existing framework for U.S. foreign policy, potentially leading to more consistent advocacy for religious minorities abroad. If it doesn't pass, it could send a mixed message about the U.S. commitment to this issue, though the U.S. has existing laws and policies supporting international religious freedom. It helps maintain a moral stance and provides a basis for diplomatic actions concerning religious persecution worldwide.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Recognizes religious freedom as a fundamental right for all individuals.
This establishes the Senate's official position on religious freedom as a universal human right.
high
Expresses support for international religious freedom as a central part of United States foreign policy.
This signals that the U.S. will continue to prioritize religious freedom in its diplomatic relations and actions abroad.
med
Expresses concern over increased global threats and attacks on religious freedom.
This highlights the Senate's awareness of ongoing challenges and provides a basis for potential future diplomatic or legislative action.
high
Cites specific instances and countries where religious freedom is violated, including genocides and criminalization of blasphemy.
This demonstrates that the Senate's concern is based on concrete examples of persecution, making the resolution more impactful.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Resolution
A formal statement of opinion or a decision agreed upon by a legislative body, but it does not have the force of law.
First Amendment
The part of the U.S. Constitution that protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
Foreign Policy
A government's strategy in dealing with other nations, outlining its goals and how it will achieve them internationally.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
An international document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly that sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
Country of Particular Concern
A designation by the U.S. Secretary of State for countries whose governments engage in or tolerate particularly severe violations of religious freedom.
Special Watch List
A designation by the U.S. Secretary of State for countries that engage in or tolerate severe religious freedom violations that do not meet the threshold for 'country of particular concern'.
Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act
A U.S. law that allows the government to impose sanctions (like travel bans and asset freezes) on individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses and corruption globally.
ACTION TIMELINE
5 EVENTS
JUN 26, 25
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment and with a preamble. Without written report.
COMMITTEE
JUN 26, 25
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 105.
CALENDARS
MAR 27, 25
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Laws that criminalize insulting a religion or God (blasphemy), holding beliefs contrary to established religious doctrine (heresy), or abandoning one's religion (apostasy).