The resolution proclaims January 16, 2023, as "Religious Freedom Day" in recognition of the anniversary of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which was enacted on January 16, 1786. It emphasizes the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right, rooted in the principles of equality and individual rights that are central to American democracy. The resolution highlights historical perspectives from key figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and various U.S. Presidents, who have all underscored the significance of protecting the rights of conscience and the free exercise of religion.
Furthermore, the resolution asserts that religious freedom is integral to the preservation and development of the United States, serving as a moral foundation for democracy. It calls for laws and institutions to protect and uphold these fundamental religious liberties, allowing individuals to practice their faith openly and without fear. By proclaiming this day, the resolution aims to reaffirm the commitment to religious freedom as a universal right that should be safeguarded both domestically and globally.