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HRES 349 115th Congress House International Affairs Detention of persons Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad Human rights International organizations and cooperation Racial and ethnic relations Religion United Nations

Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws.

Introduced: May 22, 2017 Introduced by: Raskin, Jamie Democratic · Maryland See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 27, 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.
May 22, 2017
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
May 22, 2017
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Calls on the President and the Department of State to: (1) make the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, or apostasy laws a priority in the bilateral relationships of the United States with all countries that have such laws; and (2) designate countries that enforce such laws as "countries of particular concern for religious freedom" under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

Urges the governments of countries that: (1) enforce such laws to amend or repeal such laws; and (2) have prosecuted, imprisoned, and persecuted people on charges of blasphemy, heresy, or apostasy to release such people unconditionally and ensure their safety.

Encourages the President and the State Department to oppose: (1) any efforts by international or multilateral fora to create an international anti-blasphemy norm, and (2) any attempts to expand the international norm on incitement to include blasphemy or defamation of religions.

Supports United Nations efforts to combat intolerance, discrimination, or violence against persons based on religion or belief without restricting expression.

What's happening now June 27, 2017

Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2