Statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on the Occasion of International Religious Freedom Day

23 years ago, I was honored to support the passage of the International Religious Freedom Act, groundbreaking legislation that established the United States as the world leader in promoting and defending freedom of religion and belief for all people around the world. Today, on International Religious Freedom Day, I am proud to reawaken the United States to that freedom – enshrined in our First Amendment – and to lead our global efforts to press for freedom of religion or belief for all, everywhere.

The promotion and defense of religious freedom for all is more important today than ever before. Tragically, repressive governments, violent extremists, and other social actors continue to persecute and abuse individuals and groups simply because of their religious identity, practice, or belief. Such heinous acts violate human rights and dignity. And the repression that stifles religious freedom undermines political stability and economic development. We defend religious freedom not only as an expression of our deepest values, but also because it is a vital national security priority. The United States will continue to unite worldwide to protect and promote the right to freedom of religion and belief, including through multilateral coalitions such as the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance.

Every belief is in a minority somewhere in the world, and we can only fully achieve the freedom we want if we help ensure that freedom is guaranteed for all. On International Religious Freedom Day 2021, my government pledges to pursue this pursuit worldwide.

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