Americans United for Separation of Church and State President and CEO Rachel Laser has been 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.

Laser: Honored to advocate for international religious freedom

“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. 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,” Laser added.

Members of the commission expressed their excitement at Laser’s appointment, especially having her expertise in the field of religious freedom.

Rachel Laser became president and CEO of Americans United in February 2018. She is the organization’s first non-Christian and female leader in its 78-year history. Rachel is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive. In her position at Americans United, Rachel oversees the organization’s work to protect freedom of conscience for all and ensure religion is not used to justify discrimination. As a thought leader and freedom fighter, Rachel has written op-eds for major publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, and appeared on high-profile media outlets, including MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and ABC. Read more about Rachel’s background here.

AU Board Chair Amy Norr: Appointment recognizes Laser’s leadership

“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.”