Marco Rubio Reaffirms America’s Stand For Global Religious Freedom
On the 27th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Act, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to defend one of humanity’s most sacred rights — the freedom to live and worship according to one’s faith.
“Today, on the 27th anniversary of the enactment of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Act, we reaffirm our commitment to championing the unalienable right of religious freedom,” Rubio declared.
Around the world, hundreds of millions of believers face persecution, imprisonment, and even death simply for living out their faith. Rubio emphasized that such oppression not only devastates individuals but also undermines peace and destabilizes nations.
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“Religious persecution destabilizes countries, undermines hope for peace, and attacks a core truth recognized by our Founding Fathers: that faith is essential to human flourishing and a free society,” he said.
The IRF Act, first signed into law in 1998, ensures that promoting religious liberty remains a cornerstone of America’s foreign policy.
USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler highlighted the legacy of IRFA, stating that the law “has brought leaders together from both political parties to confront persecutors and stand with the persecuted. No person anywhere should be denied the fundamental freedom of religion or belief.”
In addition, USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood called on the U.S. government to uphold international human rights, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to work with allies — and even adversaries — to ensure that those imprisoned for their faith are released.
Rubio reaffirmed that this principle continues to guide U.S. leadership in the world:
“America’s foreign policy unapologetically promotes religious freedom as a universal human right and a fundamental freedom, a right given to us by our Creator.”
Rubio concluded with a strong declaration of resolve:
“There is no greater friend to religious freedom than the United States, and we will continue to lead with strength to protect religious liberty around the world.”
As Rubio’s words remind us, faith is not a weakness — it is the foundation of liberty itself. America’s founders understood this truth clearly. In 1786, Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom:
“Almighty God hath created the mind free… no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship… nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief.”
That conviction shaped the America — and it remains vital today.
Why It Matters
Religious freedom is under increasing pressure across the globe. From believers imprisoned for their faith to laws restricting worship, the fight for liberty is far from over. Rubio’s statement serves as a reminder that America’s moral leadership is rooted not in power, but in principle — the belief that every person is endowed by their Creator with the right to live and worship freely.
