Documents › Executive orders › 14291
Executive Order 14291
Establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission
Signed May 1, 2025, printed at 90 FR 19417. 2 sections of substance, 1,503 words.
This order sets up a panel on religious freedom. Its job is to report on threats to it.
Sec. 1. Purpose and Policy
It shall be the policy of the executive branch to vigorously enforce the historic and robust protections for religious liberty enshrined in Federal law. The Founders envisioned a Nation in which religious voices and views are integral to a vibrant public square and human flourishing and in which religious people and institutions are free to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or hostility from the Government. Indeed, the roots of religious liberty stretch back to the early settlers who fled religious persecution in Europe, seeking a new world where they could choose, follow, and practice their faith without interference from the Government. The principle of religious liberty was enshrined in American law with the First Amendment to the Constitution in 1791. Since that time, the Constitution has protected the fundamental right to religious liberty as Americans' first
It shall be the policy of the executive branch to vigorously enforce the historic and robust protections for religious liberty enshrined in Federal law. The Founders envisioned a Nation in which religious voices and views are integral to a vibrant public square and human flourishing and in which religious people and institutions are free to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or hostility from the Government. Indeed, the roots of religious liberty stretch back to the early settlers who fled religious persecution in Europe, seeking a new world where they could choose, follow, and practice their faith without interference from the Government. The principle of religious liberty was enshrined in American law with the First Amendment to the Constitution in 1791. Since that time, the Constitution has protected the fundamental right to religious liberty as Americans' first
This states the policy. Federal protections for faith are to be enforced. It says the founders wanted faith in public life. It says people should worship without fear. It recalls settlers who fled persecution. It notes the First Amendment of 1791.
Sec. 2. Establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission
(a) There is hereby established the Religious Liberty Commission (Commission). (b) The Commission shall function as follows: (i) The Commission shall be composed of up to 14 members appointed by the President. Members of the Commission shall include individuals chosen to serve as educated representatives of various sectors of society, including the private sector, employers, educational institutions, religious communities, and States, to offer diverse perspectives on how the Federal [[Page 19418]] Government can defend religious liberty for all Americans. The President shall designate a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among the members. The Commission shall also include the following ex officio members or such senior officials as those members may designate: (A) the Attorney General; (B) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and (C) the Assistant to the President for Domestic
(a) There is hereby established the Religious Liberty Commission (Commission). (b) The Commission shall function as follows: (i) The Commission shall be composed of up to 14 members appointed by the President. Members of the Commission shall include individuals chosen to serve as educated representatives of various sectors of society, including the private sector, employers, educational institutions, religious communities, and States, to offer diverse perspectives on how the Federal [[Page 19418]] Government can defend religious liberty for all Americans. The President shall designate a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among the members. The Commission shall also include the following ex officio members or such senior officials as those members may designate: (A) the Attorney General; (B) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and (C) the Assistant to the President for Domestic
This sets up a religious liberty commission. It may have up to 14 members. The President names them. They come from business, schools and faith groups. States are represented too. A chairman and deputy are named from among them. Three officials sit on it by office.
Sec. 3. Severability
Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.
If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any agency, person, or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other agencies, persons, or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any agency, person, or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other agencies, persons, or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
This is the standard severability clause. If a court strikes down part of the order, the rest still stands.
Sec. 4. General Provisions
Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, May 1, 2025. [FR Doc. 2025-08134 Filed 5-6-25; 11:15 am] Billing code 3395-F4-P </pre></body> </html>
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, May 1, 2025. [FR Doc. 2025-08134 Filed 5-6-25; 11:15 am] Billing code 3395-F4-P </pre></body> </html>
This is the closing clause that nearly every order carries. It says the order does not change what the law already allows. It also says no one can sue to enforce it.
How this order is quoted
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