Flushing Remonstrance Study Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the Flushing Remonstrance Study Act, H.R. 3222. This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Flushing Remonstrance and significant local resources.

The Flushing Remonstrance is not only an important part of my local history, but also a significant event in our Nation's history. The Flushing Remonstrance is recognized as a precursor to the First Amendment and our Nation's commitment to the freedom of religion. During these troubling times in which religious freedom is not a globally recognized right, it is especially important to remember the history of our great Nation and the heroic actions taken by those before us to ensure individual liberty.

In the mid-17th century, the Quakers residing in New Netherland, an area including parts of what is now New York State, were not allowed to observe their religious traditions and practices. In response to this injustice, a group of local non-Quaker activists wrote the Flushing Remonstrance as a declaration against religious persecution in an attempt to allow the free practice of one's religion. It was met with great opposition from the local government, and an effective ban on specific practices was enforced.

John Bowne arrived in New Netherland during this time and proceeded to hold Quaker meetings in his home despite the political repercussions. He was eventually arrested, fined, and deported. He made his way to Holland and appealed to the Dutch West India Company for the religious liberty granted to New Netherland in its charter. John's appeal was accepted, and the company demanded that religious persecution end in the colony.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Flushing Remonstrance is historically significant and will benefit from further study and that its associated location, such as the John Bowne home and the Quaker Meeting House, deserve more national recognition. If signed into law, the Park Service would work with all stakeholders to find the best path forward to include these important locations in the National Park system.

The story of the Flushing Remonstrance is not for New Yorkers alone. It was an early struggle to establish the fundamental right to practice one's religion, but each demand for tolerance ultimately paved the way for the First Amendment, which protects our religious freedom today.

I stand today in strong support of my bill, the Flushing Remonstrance Study Act, and hope it will help us all remember the courage of John Bowne and the passion for religious freedom held by the authors of the Flushing Remonstrance.

I would also like to thank Chairman Hastings for his leadership and guidance, Ranking Member DeFazio and Congressmember Grijalva for their support, Congressman Rush Holt for cosponsoring the bill, and all the staff on their work and support of this bill.

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