WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Congress won praise Friday for recognizing the fifth anniversary of the signing of the International Religious Freedom Act.
The commendation came from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
The USCIRF also commended the U.S. Senate for its support.
The commission endorsed Senate legislation requesting the President to "issue a proclamation calling for a renewed commitment to eliminating violations of the internationally recognized right to freedom of religion and protecting fundamental human rights."
The proclamation would declare Oct. 27 as International Religious Freedom Day.
"This legislation will help to keep religious freedom at the forefront of foreign policy," said USCIRF Chair Michael Young. "Freedom of thought, conscience and religion protects everyone's choice in what many believe to be the most important and deeply held aspect of human identity."
USCIRF was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to give independent policy recommendations to the executive branch and Congress.
