H.Res. 20: Calling on the State Department to list the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a "Country of Particular Concern" with respect to religious freedom.

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H.Res. 20

Calling on the State Department to list the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a "Country of Particular Concern" with respect to religious freedom.

Sponsor
Rep. Ed Royce

Date
December 15, 2010 (111th Congress, 2nd Session)

Staff Contact

Floor Situation

H.Res. 20 is expected to be considered on the floor of the House on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, under a motion to suspend the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage.  The legislation was introduced by Rep. Edward Royce (R-CA) on January 6, 2010.

Bill Summary

H.Res. 20 would resolve that the House of Representatives:

  • “Strongly encourages the Department of State to place Vietnam on the list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for particularly severe violations of religious freedom;
  • “Strongly condemns the ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom in Vietnam, including the detention of religious leaders and the long-term imprisonment of individuals engaged in peaceful advocacy; and
  • “Calls on Vietnam to lift restrictions on religious freedom and implement necessary legal and political reforms to protect religious freedom.”

Background

According to the resolution’s findings, on September 15, 2004, the State Department added Vietnam to the Country of Particular Concern list and Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, John Hanford, stated, “at least 45 religious believers remain imprisoned . . . Protestants have been pressured by authorities to renounce their faith, and some have been subjected to physical abuse.”