Duval Times

Each year, the U.S. Department of State releases to Congress its International Religious Freedom Report. This report highlights the status of religious freedom in countries worldwide.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding the release of the U.S. Department of State’s 2023 International Religious Freedom Report:

"Our nation stands firmly behind the ideal of defending and promoting worldwide religious liberties. It’s deeply concerning that we continue to bear witness to religious persecution, especially acts of antisemitism after the unjustified Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.

"It’s deeply concerning that Jewish men, women, and children feel threatened to freely live out their faith in their communities. We must put an end to this rising plague, including through the poison of the BDS movement.

"Communist China continues to indoctrinate, force sterilization, and commit acts of genocide against the Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious groups. Beijing’s terror campaign against Tibetans, Christians, and Falun Gong practitioners, who are unjustly targeted because of their faith, is further proof that this regime’s crackdown on religious freedom has only become more sinister.

"In our own hemisphere, the illegitimate regimes of Cuba and Nicaragua continue to persecute and undermine the religious liberties of Roman Catholics and Christians. Under Díaz-Canel’s dictatorship, the Ladies in White, members of the religious clergy, and laymen remain targets of increased repressive tactics. Under the Ortega-Murillo authoritarian dynasty, the ongoing religious war against Catholics and Protestants is one of the regime’s most nefarious and widely reported crimes.

"The Iranian regime’s targeted violence against religious minorities such as Baha’is, Christians, and Sunni Muslims is concerning. The U.S., our allies and partners must continue to defend and advocate for individuals who are targeted simply because of their religion."

Want more information?

February 2024: Rubio, Cardin Colleagues Introduce Bill to Reauthorize U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

May 2023: Rubio Comments on State Department International Religious Freedom Report