Lankford, Coons Bipartisan Resolution on Religious Freedom and Transparency in Artificial Intelligence Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) today announced that their bipartisan Senate resolution affirming the importance of religious freedom and calling on developers of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to adopt clear standards for transparency and fair treatment of religious viewpoints passed the Senate unanimously last night. “Religious freedom is the first freedom in our Constitution. It protects the right of every person to have a faith, live their faith, change their faith, or have no faith at all,” said Lankford. “AI is a system that researches ideas, opinions, and facts, but it is not the final word on faith. On issues of faith, AI systems should send users to the sacred texts and to the faith leaders who have walked with people through joy and grief for generations.” “One’s choice of faith – or whether or not to believe at all – is one of the most intensely personal decisions anyone can make, and Americans are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence when looking for answers to life’s big questions,” said Coons. “AI users should be given the full breadth and depth of answers humanity has to offer without preference to creed or spirituality. That’s what’s right and what’s consistent with our nation’s values.” Background The resolution affirms religious freedom as a bedrock constitutional liberty, recognizes that bias or discrimination against any religious group harms a free and just society, and calls on organizations that design, develop, or operate AI systems to adopt clear and consistently applied standards that uphold religious freedom and transparency. The resolution: Affirms the importance of religious freedom as a bedrock and central constitutional liberty for every person. Recognizes that bias or discrimination against any religious group, person of faith, person who changes their faith, or person who has no faith at all is harmful to a free and just society. Encourages all organizations that design, develop, or operate AI systems to adopt clear and consistently applied standards that uphold universal principles of religious freedom and transparency. Supports the development and deployment of AI systems that provide responses to religious questions that are thorough and fairly representative of relevant beliefs, texts, traditions, and perspectives. Commends the American people to consult primary sources and religious leaders when seeking to understand religious beliefs and traditions, including sacred texts and other authoritative writings of those traditions. You can download the full resolution text HERE . ###