National Religious Freedom Day

About National Religious Freedom Day

How long until National Religious Freedom Day?
National Religious Freedom Day .		Add to calendar
Dates of National Religious Freedom Day
2026 Various Jan 16 InternationalFri, Jan 16Observances Holiday USAFri, Jan 16Observances Holiday 2025 Various Jan 16 InternationalThu, Jan 16Observances Holiday USAThu, Jan 16Observances Holiday 2024 Various Jan 16 InternationalTue, Jan 16Observances Holiday USATue, Jan 16Observances Holiday 2023 Various Jan 16 InternationalMon, Jan 16Observances Holiday USAMon, Jan 16Observances Holiday 2022 Various Jan 16 InternationalSun, Jan 16Observances Holiday USASun, Jan 16Observances Holiday
Summary
Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Religious Freedom Day
Where is National Religious Freedom Day observed in 2026?
USAJan 16

On January 16th 1786, the legislature of Virginia adopted a religious freedom statute that protected Virginians against any requirement to attend or support any church and against discrimination. This statute, which had been drafted by Thomas Jefferson and introduced by James Madison, later was the model for the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

Religious Freedom Day has been officially proclaimed on January 16th in an annual statement by the President of the United States since 1993.

Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day, and calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship."

All events on January 16th 2026