ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10697ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10697

Religious Freedom Day, 2024

This proclamation designates January 16, 2024, as Religious Freedom Day, reaffirming the constitutional right to religious freedom. It highlights ongoing administration efforts to combat antisemitism, Islamophobia, and related bias through interagency initiatives, national strategies, increased security funding for places of worship, and international religious freedom promotion.

Federal Register Open PDF 89 FR 3535

Impact dates

  1. Religious Freedom Day observance

Key directives

  • Proclaim January 16, 2024 as Religious Freedom Day

Timeline

Immediate

  • January 16, 2024 designated as Religious Freedom Day

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Implementation of National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism
  • Development of National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Related Forms of Bias and Discrimination
  • Continued international religious freedom funding and sanctions

Risks & tensions

  • Proclamation is primarily commemorative with no binding policy directives; references to ongoing strategies and funding are descriptive of existing efforts rather than new mandates
  • Mention of Hamas attack and domestic threats may polarize reception
Proclamation 10697: Religious Freedom Day, 2024 · Executive Orders