Regardless of our religious affiliations, the Taliban's willful destruction of precious Buddhist statues has offended all of us. The United States is pleased to take part in this Special Debate on tolerance and respect. These concepts are the fundamental bases for peace and for the implementation of all human rights for all people in the world. The U. S. Constitution firmly establishes the concept of freedom of religion into our laws and customs, as does Article 18 of the Universal Declaration. Virtually every religion in the world is practiced in America.
Individuals are free to worship and change their beliefs as they see fit.
Just as nations need to sustain a commitment to universal human rights, tolerance and respect are necessary if religious freedom is to flourish. Yet the basic principles of human freedom and dignity are universal. People should be able to say what they think. Worship as they wish. Elect those who govern them.