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Interfaith Alliance Proudly Supports Reintroduction of John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

WASHINGTON—National interfaith advocates are calling on Congress to move swiftly to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. After Rep. Teri Sewell reintroduced the legislation today, The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

“As the late Rep. John Lewis once said, ‘The vote is precious. It is almost sacred.’ Sadly, his vision for an America where all people – no matter who they are or who they vote for – can exercise that foundational right is under attack by extremists working to systematically disenfranchise people of color.

“I can think of no better way to honor his legacy than to pass this crucial bill that bears his name, ensuring that every person can freely cast their vote. Those standing in the way of this legislation are not only willfully blind to the realities of voter suppression in America, but indeed aiding and abetting pernicious efforts to take us back in time and perpetuate racial inequities.

“Over the last 10 years, the Supreme Court has systematically dismantled the Voting Rights Act of 1965, enabling state legislatures to pass dozens of laws creating barriers to vote that disproportionately impact communities of color. The bill introduced today will restore the critical protections of that landmark legislation and ensure equal access to the ballot box for all. As an organization dedicated to building an inclusive democracy, Interfaith Alliance will continue to advocate tirelessly to make that happen.”

Interfaith Alliance is dedicated to protecting the integrity of both religion and democracy in America. As part of its mission to build a multireligious, pluralistic democracy that safeguards every American’s fundamental rights, the organization has long stood for equal access to the ballot box and against efforts to suppress the vote and damage our democratic institutions.

The organization is a longtime supporter of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and earlier this year endorsed The Freedom to Vote Act, a critical pro-democracy bill which outlines strong provisions to expand voter access and protect our electoral system from political interference.