Congress strengthens international religious freedom law
December 16, 2016
Without opposition, the House of Representatives and the Senate have passed the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, which strengthens the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act.
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The new legislation “creates a ‘Designated Persons List’ for individuals who commit egregious violations of religious freedom” as well as “a comprehensive religious prisoners list—persons who are detained, imprisoned, tortured and subject to forced renunciation of faith,” according to Rep. Chris Smith, who sponsored the legislation.
The bill now awaits President Barack Obama’s signature.
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Further information:
- New bill boosts global religious liberty (Baptist Press)
- Congress Strengthens International Religious Freedom Act (Religion Clause)
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Posted by: aclune9083 -
Dec. 16, 2016 11:24 PM ET USA
This is a positive step for religious freedom everywhere else except in the United States. Here, there's a lot of work to do. How sad, how ironic.
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Posted by: Gregory108 -
Dec. 16, 2016 9:31 PM ET USA
Wouldn't President Barack Obama be the first person guilty of violating this as soon as he signs the bill into law....or is it just for "international" people, not for Americans?
