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J3448Senate2017-2018 SessionResolution

Declare Religious Freedom Day

Official title

“Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 16, 2018, as Religious Freedom Day in the State of New York”

Sponsor Leroy ComrieSD-14
Status
Adopted
Impact
1/10
Minimal
Outcome
Adopted

What's happening

This resolution urges Governor Cuomo to proclaim January 16, 2018, as Religious Freedom Day in New York State.

Why it matters

  1. Highlights New York’s commitment to religious liberty. By urging the Governor to declare Religious Freedom Day, the resolution reinforces the state’s alignment with foundational American values of religious tolerance and diversity.

  2. Raises public awareness of minority rights. The resolution specifically acknowledges the protection of religious freedom for underrepresented groups, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these rights for all faiths—including those that are less common or historically marginalized.

  3. Connects state action to national history. By referencing the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and Thomas Jefferson’s role, the resolution situates New York’s observance within a broader national context, reminding citizens of the historical struggles and achievements related to religious liberty.

  4. Encourages ongoing vigilance and education. The resolution frames Religious Freedom Day as an opportunity not just for celebration, but for reflection and education about the importance of protecting religious freedoms now and in the future, both in New York and beyond.

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Headline styles

Declare Religious Freedom Day

Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Leroy Comrie

Senator · Senate District 14

No co-sponsors yet.

History

  1. Adopted
  2. Reported to calendar for consideration
  3. Referred to finance

Full text

1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗

Senate Resolution No. 3448 BY: Senator COMRIE MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim

January 16, 2018, as Religious Freedom Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is preserved and shared with the… Show all

January 16, 2018, as Religious Freedom Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is preserved and shared with the present generations of citizens; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 16, 2018, as Religious Freedom Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Religious Freedom Day; and WHEREAS, The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was signed

January 16, 1786, and is commemorated each year on National Religious Freedom Day; and WHEREAS, The statute disestablished the Church of England in Virginia as the official religion of the state and paved the way for religious freedom for Catholics, Jews,… Show all

January 16, 1786, and is commemorated each year on National Religious Freedom Day; and WHEREAS, The statute disestablished the Church of England in Virginia as the official religion of the state and paved the way for religious freedom for Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and other underrepresented religious minorities; and WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson, who drafted and presented the legislation to the assembly, considered it to be among his greatest lifetime achievements; and WHEREAS, Religious freedom in the United States allows people of all faiths and denominations, whether popular, mainstream or fringe, to worship and practice as they wish with few restrictions; and WHEREAS, Today, our Nation continues to be shaped by people of every religion and of no religion, bringing us closer to our founding ideals; as heirs to this proud legacy of liberty, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to safeguard these freedoms; and WHEREAS, Religious Freedom Day should be celebrated by all Americans to teach us about the critical foundation of our Nation's liberty, and to show us how we can protect it for future generations here and around the world; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 16, 2018, as Religious Freedom Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.

Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.