Garrett Named Vice Chair of International Religious Freedom Caucus

Statement

Today, Congressman Tom Garrett (R-VA) announced that he has been named Co-Vice Chairman of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, a bipartisan group of more than 60 members of Congress who address religious persecution for people of any or no faith based on Article 18 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

Garrett, who is serving in his first term representing Virginia's Fifth Congressional District, is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, including the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee, released the following statement:

"As a freshman member of Congress, I am humbled to have earned this distinction from my colleagues. It is an honor to be recognized for my work promoting religious tolerance and human rights globally."

"Around the world, places of worship are being bombed, bulldozed and shuttered. Religious leaders are imprisoned, and people of faith are being intimidated, harassed and much, much worse. The right to practice any faith or no faith, is a fundamental one, no matter where. Nations that suppress this basic right uniformly violate other human rights."

"The United States stands as a beacon for religious freedom around the world, and I look forward to continuing my work to educate my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, about anti-religious violence and suppression around the world."

ABOUT THE IRF CAUCUS: Founded in 2006, the IRF Caucus educates members of Congress on religious freedom issues and developments, and ultimately authors legislation or calls to action to combat violations of religious freedom. The IRF Caucus is Chaired by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Co-Vice Chair, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO).

Source