A Resolution Recognizing Religious Freedom as a Fundamental Right (S.Res.52)

(Pending in the Senate)

A Resolution Recognizing Religious Freedom as a Fundamental Right (S.Res.52) was introduced in the Senate on February 4, 2025, by Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), with original cosponsors Sen.Chris Coons (D-DE), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). The resolution was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign relations on March 27, 2025.

A previous version of the resolution was introduced in the Senate in 2024, by the same co-sponsors. 

The full title is: “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.”

This resolution emphasizes religious freedom as a key component of democracy, human rights, and U.S. foreign policy. It cites global threats and violations, including systematic abuses by both governments and non-state actors. 

The resolution:

  • Affirms religious freedom as a fundamental and universal human right.
  • Recognizes the rise in global religious persecution and the targeting of minority faith communities.
  • Urges the U.S. to incorporate religious freedom promotion into foreign policy strategy.

References to Uyghurs:

  • The resolution explicitly state that “since 2017 the Chinese government has committed crimes against humanity and genocide against Uyghurs,” including:

  (a) imprisoning more than 1,000,000 Uyghurs in “re-education camps”;

  (b) subjecting Uyghur women to forced sterilizations and abortions;

  (c) deliberately separating Uyghur families;

  (d) instituting government surveillance through intrusive homestay programs; and

  (e) eliminating the Uyghur language from educational materials.    

The bill also notes that: “China … utilizes targeted surveillance to monitor, harass, and detain Christians, Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghur Muslims, and other religious minorities for exercising their beliefs.”

Read more:

UHRP Report: Twenty Years for Learning the Quran: Uyghur Women and Religious Persecution

Visit the UHRP U.S. Legislation Tracker for other bills endorsed by the Uyghur Human Rights Project.