[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 218 Referred in House (RFH)]

103d CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. J. RES. 218


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           November 29, 1994

       Referred to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
      Designating January 16, 1995, as ``Religious Freedom Day''.

Whereas December 15, 1991, is the 200th anniversary of the completion of the 
        ratification of the Bill of Rights;
Whereas the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees 
        religious liberty to the people of the United States;
Whereas millions of people from all parts of the world have come to the United 
        States fleeing religious persecution and seeking to worship;
Whereas in 1777 Thomas Jefferson wrote the bill entitled ``A Bill for 
        Establishing Religious Freedom in Virginia'' to guarantee freedom of 
        conscience and separation of church and state;
Whereas in 1786, through the devotion of Virginians such as George Mason and 
        James Madison, the General Assembly of Virginia passed such bill;
Whereas the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom inspired and shaped the 
        guarantee of religious freedom in the first amendment;
Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States has recognized repeatedly that 
        the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom was an important influence 
        in the development of the Bill of Rights;
Whereas scholars across the United States have proclaimed the vital importance 
        of such statute and leaders in fields such as law and religion have 
        devoted time, energy and resources to celebrating its contribution to 
        international freedom; and
Whereas America's First Freedom Center, located in Richmond, Virginia, plans a 
        permanent monument to the Statute of Religious Freedom, accompanied by 
        educational programs and commemorative activities for visitors from 
        around the world: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That January 16, 1995, is 
designated as ``Religious Freedom Day,'' and the President is 
authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people 
of the United States to join together to celebrate their religious 
freedom and to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and 
activities.

            Passed the Senate October 7 (legislative day, September 
      12), 1994.

            Attest:

                                                MARTHA S. POPE,

                                                             Secretary.