Pennsylvania SR 194: A Resolution designating November 24, 2025, as "Human Rights and Religious Freedom Day" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1327
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 194
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY KEARNEY, HUGHES AND SANTARSIERO, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Designating November 24, 2025, as "Human Rights and Religious
Freedom Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Human rights and religious freedoms are essential
for residents of this Commonwealth and our nation; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism is the world's fifth largest religion with
nearly 30 million followers worldwide, including a vibrant and
growing community in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, On November 24, 2025, Sikhs throughout the world
will commemorate the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru
Tegh Bahadur Ji, the revered ninth guru of Sikhism; and
WHEREAS, A true defender of religious liberty, Guru Tegh
Bahadur Ji courageously opposed the forced conversion of Hindus
to Islam under the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb, an act for which
the guru was publicly executed in 1675 in Delhi, India; and
WHEREAS, He is lovingly remembered as "Dharam Di Chadar,"
which means "the Shield of Faiths," for sacrificing his life to
uphold the fundamental right of every person to freely practice
their religion; and
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

WHEREAS, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's sacrifice stands as an
enduring symbol of human rights, compassion and justice for all
humanity; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Sikh Society, along with Sikh
congregations throughout Pennsylvania, continues to promote the
ideals of equality, humility, service and peace that Guru Tegh
Bahadur Ji lived and died for; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that the Senate of
Pennsylvania recognize this historic occasion and the
contributions of the Sikh community to the Commonwealth;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate November 24, 2025, as
"Human Rights and Religious Freedom Day" in Pennsylvania; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate extend best wishes to the
Philadelphia Sikh Society and the entire Sikh community on this
meaningful occasion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the Philadelphia Sikh Society.
20250SR0194PN1327 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19