On Wednesday, May 28, 2014, the House will consider H.R. 4028, To amend the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to include the desecration of cemeteries among the many forms of violations of the right to religious freedom, under suspension of the rules. H.R. 4028 was introduced on February 10, 2014 by Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bill was marked up on April 30, 2014 and was ordered reported, as amended, by unanimous consent.
H.R. 4028 amends the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to add the desecration of cemeteries to the Act’s current examples of religious freedom violations.
The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) generally expresses U.S. foreign policy with respect to, and strengthens U.S. advocacy on behalf of, those persecuted in foreign countries because of their religion.[1] IRFA lists forms of violations of the right to religious freedom that occur around the world, including confiscations of property, surveillance by security police, and numerous others. As cemeteries continue to be desecrated for religious reasons, H.R. 4028 adds it to forms of religious freedom violations that occur around the world.
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[1] See Public Law 105-292.
CBO estimates the bill would have no significant effect.
For questions or further information contact the GOP Conference at 5-5107.
