Bill · S.Res. 52· Senate(119-SRES-52)
A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.
- Introduced
- 2/4/2025
- Last activity
- 6/26/2025 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 105.
- Sponsored by
- James Lankford
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 5
- Introduced
- On Calendar
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This Senate resolution recognizes religious freedom as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of United States foreign policy. It highlights the critical role religious freedom plays in supporting democracy, the rule of law, and global stability. The resolution expresses grave concern regarding increased threats, such as violence, harassment, and imprisonment of religious groups worldwide. It specifically condemns efforts to suppress religious expression, conversion, and the maintenance of holy sites. Finally, it urges the Department of State to prioritize religious freedom through diplomatic engagement, sanctions, and trade considerations.
Yes
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?+10
The resolution formally recognizes religious freedom as a fundamental human right and urges diplomatic and sanctions-based enforcement.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+3
The resolution encourages robust bilateral and multilateral engagement with allies and partners regarding religious freedom.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?+2
The resolution suggests using human rights and religious freedom as criteria when prioritizing partners for free trade agreements.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Advocacy for Human Rights: The resolution supports the work of religious freedom advocates fighting for greater freedoms globally. (Section 5)
-
Accountability for Violators: It urges the Department of State to use diplomatic and sanctions tools to hold those who violate religious freedom accountable. (Section 6, Part C)
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Support for Activists: The resolution calls for maintaining and expanding support for human rights activists, journalists, and civil society leaders in specific countries. (Section 6, Part B)
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Targeted Sanctions: It encourages the continued use of sanctions against those responsible for religious freedom violations under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Act. (Section 6, Part D)
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Trade as Leverage: The resolution suggests considering human rights and religious freedom when prioritizing partners for free trade agreements. (Section 6, Part E)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Religious Freedom+10
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3Improves International Trade+2
- 3/5/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/26/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment and with a preamble. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 105.
- 3/27/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 3/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/25/2025
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 2/4/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S596-597)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina