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This bipartisan Freedom of Religion Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit denying admission to the United States based on an individual’s religion.

On May 11, 2016, Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and co-leads Reps. Mike Honda (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Andre Carson (D-IN), Joe Crowley (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced the Freedom of Religion Act. The legislation is endorsed by more than 100 organizations, including FCNL, and has more than 70 original co-sponsors.

“FCNL is proud to support the Freedom of Religion Act. We commend Rep. Don Beyer for introducing this bipartisan bill, which challenges hateful rhetoric directed at Muslims and ensures that the United States remains an open and welcoming nation for all people,” said Yasmine Taeb, FCNL’s lobbyist on human rights and civil liberties.

“The Friends Committee on National Legislation is committed to religious freedom, which is a value deeply rooted in Quaker history. Quakers came to this country 365 years ago to escape persecution, and practice their faith openly.

“We all have a responsibility and an opportunity right now to reject any discriminatory measures to exclude immigrants, refugees, or international visitors from entering the United States on the basis of their religion.”

Yasmine Taeb

Yasmine Taeb

Legislative Director for Human Rights and Civil Liberties

Yasmine directs FCNL’s work on a number of human rights and civil liberties issues, including lobbying for increased resettlement of refugees, more transparency and oversight of the U.S. lethal drones program, calling for the closure of Guantanamo, and for the repeal of the 2001 AUMF, among other issues.