Rachel Laser currently serves as President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Humanists International has long campaigned for the separation of state and religion as a fundamental safeguard of freedom of conscience and human rights worldwide. Ms. Laser’s extensive experience as a lawyer and advocate, having worked extensively on civil rights and the separation of church and state, made her an excellent and invaluable addition to the current range of commissioners. She is recognised as a strong leader who will effectively represent the interests of both people of faith and humanists and non-religious people.
Since 2017 Humanists International has collaborated closely with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) itself. The organization looks forward to continuing this vital cooperation with Ms. Laser in her new role on the Commission, advocating for freedom of religion or belief and promoting the separation of religion and state internationally.
Maggie Ardiente, President of Humanists International
Maggie Ardiente, President of Humanists International, commented:
“Rachel is an outstanding choice for USCIRF and a proven leader in the fight for freedom of religion and belief for all. Her expertise and unwavering commitment to the separation of church and state are needed to effectively advance freedom of religion or belief internationally. She has demonstrated unwavering dedication to protecting freedom of religion or belief, and fostering inclusive partnerships with humanists, atheists, and secular individuals, alongside religious allies. We are confident she will be a strong voice for both people of faith and the non-religious on the Commission. We are excited to continue working alongside her in this crucial capacity.”
Nick Fish, President of American Atheists
Nick Fish, President of American Atheists, commented:
“American Atheists commends Senator Schumer for selecting Rachel Laser to serve on USCIRF. At a time when religious nationalism is on the rise both in the United States and around the world, it is especially vital—and urgent—that religious minorities and the nonreligious are represented by a commissioner with Rachel’s clarity, courage, and commitment to religious equality as the best guarantee of freedom of religion and belief. She has always been and will continue to be a powerful defender of these freedoms for all people—believers, humanists, and atheists alike. Her experience as a civil rights advocate and her steadfast support for church-state separation make her an invaluable addition to the Commission. This appointment sends a clear message: We both need and deserve far more leaders who, like Rachel, prioritize pluralism and practice tolerance—and far fewer of those who would force their views on others and punish those who dissent. We look forward to continuing to work with Rachel as she lends her voice and vision to protect and advance human rights here and abroad.”
Fish Stark, Executive Director of American Humanist Association
Fish Stark, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, commented:
“Rachel’s appointment to USCIRF is an incredibly welcome development. With her commitment to the principle of separation of church and state and freedom of belief for all, Rachel is the exact kind of leader we humanists trust to represent us in the halls of power. She is a proven, tenacious advocate, and we are confident that her perspective will be invaluable in guiding USCIRF’s critical work.”
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