FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2020
CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171
RNC 2020 Illustrated that Religious Right “seeks to dismantle, not protect, true religious freedom”
WASHINGTON — Last night, the Republican National Convention wrapped up after four nights that further highlighted the impact of the Religious Right on the Trump administration – and vice versa. In response, Katy Joseph, director of policy & advocacy for Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:
“A hallmark of the Trump campaign and administration is its weaponization of faith for political gain. The Religious Right – of which several notable RNC speakers were drawn – has long used religious freedom as a shield for bigotry, blending American history and religious conviction in service of a Christian nationalist agenda.
“From blatant attacks on transgender students by Cissie Graham Lynch, to Vice President Pence’s remarks intertwining Biblical scripture and American identity, to repeated attacks on the faithfulness of anyone who disagrees with the administration, it is abundantly clear that this a movement seeks to dismantle, not protect, true religious freedom for those of all faiths and none.
“In America, we celebrate the diversity of our communities, including in faiths and philosophies. We cherish democracy, and with that the right of all Americans to believe and practice as we choose. And when we see political players – regardless of party – jeopardizing these tenets, we must lift our voices in protest and raise our sights toward a more just country for all of us.”
If you are interested in speaking with Katy further, please contact Manisha Sunil at msunil@westendstrategy.com or 202-417-0171.
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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.