[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ACT

  The text of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 218) designating January 
16, 1995, as ``Religious Freedom Day,'' as passed by the Senate on 
October 7, 1994, is as follows:

                             S. J. Res. 218

       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.

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