Catholic Culture News
Catholic Culture News
Catholic World News

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.

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.

 


For all current news, visit our News home page.


 
Further information:
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

  • 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.

  • 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?