Norton and House Democrats Introduce Freedom of Religion Act

Press Conference

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) joined Gold Star Father Khizr Khan, Representative Don Beyer (D-VA), and several House Democrats at a press conference today to introduce the Freedom of Religion Act, which prohibits barring immigrants, refugees, and international visitors from entry in the United States on the basis of religion.

At the press conference, Norton said, "Our bill takes religion off the table as a tool for deciding who is admitted to our country--whether as immigrants, refugees, or international visitors. The Freedom of Religion Act is a testament to our nation's strength. It shows we still know how to keep our country safe without sacrificing our most fundamental values."

Norton's full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.

"The self-inflicted confusion and demonstrations across our country and the world cry out for our bill, the Freedom of Religion Act. We are compelled to examine again why our country was founded. The first colonists were not refugees from politics or poverty. They gave up whatever they had and risked everything to come to the wilderness of a largely unsettled country where they could practice their religion freely and openly without government interference. Freedom of religion was at the core of our nation's founding.

"Our bill takes religion off the table as a tool for deciding who is admitted to our country--whether as immigrants, refugees, or international visitors. The Freedom of Religion Act is a testament to our nation's strength. It shows we still know how to keep our country safe without sacrificing our most fundamental values."

Source