Obama, in Vietnam, defends religious freedom
May 27, 2016
In a recent address in Hanoi, President Barack Obama defended the concept of universal human rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly.
“The United States does not seek to impose our form of government on Vietnam,” he said. “The rights I speak of I believe are not American values; I think they're universal values written into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
“When there is freedom of religion, it not only allows people to fully express the love and compassion that are at the heart of all great religions, but it allows faith groups to serve their communities through schools and hospitals, and care for the poor and the vulnerable,” he added.
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Further information:
- Remarks by President Obama in Address to the People of Vietnam (White House)
- Vietnam releases jailed priest one eve of Obama visit (CWN, 5/23)
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Posted by: unum -
May. 27, 2016 10:22 PM ET USA
Hypocrisy, thy name is Obama!
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Posted by: JimKcda -
May. 27, 2016 8:01 PM ET USA
Two steps forward, one step back!
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Posted by: Conor Cook -
May. 27, 2016 7:56 PM ET USA
"In fact," the President continued, "religious groups in America recently emerged victorious from a court battle about this very principle..."
