Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom Commemoration

In honor of the 230th anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Democratic Leader David J. Toscano (D-57th, Charlottesville- Albemarle) announced filing a resolution (HR75) to commemorate the statute and draw attention to the importance of ensuring the right of religious liberty and the ability of citizens to practice their faiths as they choose, free of persecution in the United States.

Toscano, in discussing the resolution, said “we are finding a resurgence of anti-religious sentiment in the Unites States today, often targeted toward people from other countries who seek refuge from death and persecution in their home countries. My resolution intends to place the House of Delegates on record as opposing political and religious persecution and bias, and to further celebrate the principles of religious freedom set forth by Thomas Jefferson 230 years ago.”

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom is a precursor to the establishment clause and free expression of religious provision of the United States Constitution.