Idaho State Capitol – On Wednesday, House State Affairs voted to hold the Religious Freedom Day resolution in committee. The resolution declared January 16 Religious Freedom Day in Idaho. National Religious Freedom Day has been proclaimed on January 16 in a yearly statement by the President of the United States since 1993. On January 16, 1786, the Virginia General Assembly adopted Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
Representative Jake Ellis/(D-Boise) sponsored the resolution in the House.
“The aim of this resolution was for the legislative body to pause on January 16 every year to embrace the religious diversity of Idaho.” Rep. Ellis explained. “Idahoans have the individual liberty to choose their religious beliefs and expressions. Legislators should embrace and celebrate the diversity of all their constituents. As a statesman, I represent all the beliefs and expressions from my district. The resolution was intended to honor the history of that value.”
Senator Grant Burgoyne/(D-Boise) was in committee to assist with answering any questions. He had committed to sponsoring the resolution in the Senate and was disappointed that his legislative colleagues chose not to defend religious freedom in the statehouse.
“Religious freedom is a human right. Idahoans have the right to be free from discrimination when they choose to express, or not express, religious beliefs.” Sen. Burgoyne said. “To embrace religious freedom, is to embrace the diversity of all people. To be supportive of civil rights, is to be supportive of religious freedom. When any person’s religious freedom is taken away, everyone’s freedom of religion and belief is at risk.”