FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2023
CONTACT
Jonny Levenfeld, West End Strategy Team
jlevenfeld@westendstrategy.com, 202-704-4535
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.
If you are interested in speaking further with Interfaith Alliance, please contact Jonny Levenfeld at (202) 704-4535 or jlevenfeld@westendstrategy.com.
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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.