# Understanding This Bill About Religious Freedom

This is a symbolic resolution from Congress that affirms religious freedom as a fundamental human right protected by the U.S. Constitution. It's not a law that creates new rules or restrictions—it's more like an official statement of support. The resolution also marks the 237th anniversary of Virginia's historic Statute for Religious Freedom, an important early American document that helped establish the principle of separating church and state.

What this means in practical terms is that Congress is publicly declaring its support for the constitutional protections that already exist for religious practice in America. These protections mean the government cannot force you to practice any religion, cannot prevent you from practicing your chosen faith, and cannot discriminate against you based on your religious beliefs. The resolution recognizes that these freedoms are essential to maintaining a free society where people of all faiths—and no faith—can coexist.

Since this is a concurrent resolution rather than actual legislation, it doesn't change any laws or create new legal requirements. It won't affect how you practice your religion or how the government treats religious organizations. Instead, it serves as a formal acknowledgment from Congress that religious freedom matters and deserves protection. It's the kind of resolution Congress passes to take an official position on important principles, similar to how they might commemorate historical events or express support for particular values.

A concurrent resolution affirming the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right that is essential to a free society and protected for all people of the United States under the Constitution of the United States, and recognizing the 237th anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

Daines, Steve

 <p>This concurrent resolution calls for honoring the 237th anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on Religious Freedom Day, January 16, 2023.</p> <p>The resolution affirms that</p> <ul> <li>religious freedom includes the right of individuals of any faith and individuals of no faith to live, work, associate, and worship in accordance with their beliefs; </li> <li>all people of the United States can be unified in supporting religious freedom because it is a fundamental human right; and </li> <li>the American people will remain forever unshackled in matters of faith. </li></ul>