Protect Children from Coerced Religious Commitments — Enact the Religious Consent Age Act Thousands of people—like myself—were initiated into such lifelong religious contracts as children. Many of us faced excommunication, homelessness, mental health struggles, and the trauma of losing our families when we later questioned the beliefs we once accepted blindly. This is a human rights issue. Children deserve the right to think critically, grow emotionally, and choose their path when they are ready. Religion should not be a life sentence given before adulthood. To lawmakers, child advocacy organizations, and religious institutions: We call for the implementation of legal protections for minors by enacting the Religious Consent Age Act, which would: • Prohibit legally binding religious rites or contracts (e.g., baptism, membership vows, ordinations) from being made by individuals under the age of 18. • Require that any life-altering religious commitment—especially those that may result in social shunning, family estrangement, or loss of housing—be deferred until the individual is of legal age and able to provide informed, voluntary consent. • Recognize that minors cannot give true consent when the consequences are lifelong and the environment is high-pressure or emotionally manipulative. 
 We call for legislation to prevent minors from entering into contractual commitments within religious organizations. Religions, despite their exemptions, must adhere to basic principles of human rights – minors deserve the right to make informed, consensual decisions when they reach an appropriate age.

 While we respect the role of faith in many lives, it is crucial to ensure that decision-making processes carry respect for individual autonomy, particularly for those too young to understand the lifelong implications. This is not targeted at any specific religion, but rather a call for universal children's rights within religious structures.

Help empower young individuals, safeguard their freedom, and prevent them from unforeseen consequences of premature decisions. Stand with us to demand protections, accountability, and justice. Please sign this petition.