The US House of Representatives has passed a bill which broadens the definition of “violations of religious freedom” in the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to include the persecution of advocates of male circumcision or ritual animal slaughter.

Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis, said: “The bill passed by the US House of Representatives yesterday is the first step for a piece of legislation that will ensure religious freedoms and practices are properly protected.

“Once again, America has taken the lead on this issue and I strongly encourage the European Union, as well as member states, to follow their lead and protect religious communities across the continent.”