Celebrate Religious Freedom Day on January 16

In 1993, the United States Congress issued the following resolution:

[B]e it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That January 16, 1993, is designated as "Religious Freedom Day," and the President is authorized and requested to issue1. The disputed point between parties in a lawsuit; 2. To send out officially, as in a court issuing an order. a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to join together to celebrate their religious freedom and to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Since 1993, each year, the President declares January 16th to be "Religious Freedom Day," and calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship." The day is the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia StatuteA law passed by a legislature. on Religious Freedom. Thomas Jefferson drafted the legislation and considered it one of his greatest achievements.

The Virginia Statute was the inspiration for the First AmendmentThis Amendment prohibits the government from making laws that establish religion or prohibit free exercise of religion, infringe the freedom of speech, infringe the freedom of the press, limit the right to assemble peaceably, or limit the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. free exerciseThe ability to practice one's religion without hindrance as expressed in the 1st Amendment. Can be limited depending on how it affects other people. clause and establishment clauses which we enjoy today.

For more information on the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and to read the original document, visit http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwedo/k12/bor/vsrftext.htm