In December, Americans United for Separation of Church and State President and CEO Rachel Laser was appointed by U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to the nine-member U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal government commission established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the president, the secretary of state, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief.
“I’m grateful to Sen. Schumer for this opportunity to advocate for religious freedom around the globe,” said Laser. “As the leader of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, I defend our country’s constitutional promise of church-state separation — the shield that protects the freedom of everyone to live as themselves and believe as they choose, as long as they don’t harm others.
“Because AU’s mission is grounded in the U.S. Constitution, our organization’s work is domestically focused,” Laser added. “By joining the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom in my personal capacity, I look forward to expanding my advocacy for religious freedom on an international scale. Both on a personal level as a religious minority, and a professional level as Americans United’s CEO, I am honored to have the opportunity to help our government fight religious extremism and protect everyone’s freedom to believe, or not, as they choose.”
“This appointment is a well-deserved honor that shows Sen. Schumer’s recognition of the leadership Rachel Laser brings to understanding church-state separation and how it protects religious freedom for all,” said Amy Norr, chair of AU’s Board of Trustees. “AU is fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, talented, and passionate advocate leading us in these critical times. The mission of USCIRF will be enhanced by Rachel’s participation.”