House Passes Bipartisan Wilson Bill Holding Russia Accountable for Violations of Religious Liberty in Ukraine

Press Release

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 496, the Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act. Introduced by Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), both members of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, the legislation holds Russia accountable for violations of religious freedom in Ukraine.

More specifically, the bill directs the President, when determining whether Russia is a country of particular concern for religious freedom under certain federal laws, to consider incidents occurring in the parts of Ukraine controlled by Russia or Russia-affiliated non-state groups. In general, the United States may take certain actions, such as withdrawing development assistance, against a country of particular concern for religious freedom.

"As Putin continues his illegal invasion and occupation of sovereign Ukraine, it is critical that the United States holds Putin and his occupying forces accountable for violations of religious freedom and human rights against Ukrainian religious minorities. This bill also ensures that the United States will never recognize the illegal occupation of Ukraine by the murderous Putin regime. I was grateful to work with my colleague, Representative Emanuel Cleaver, on this bipartisan legislation, which passed the House overwhelmingly. Its passage underscores Congress' broad commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and religious freedom around the globe," said Congressman Joe Wilson.

"No matter where you live or what religious tradition you practice, America will always stand up to defend religious liberty," said Congressman Cleaver. "As Dictator Putin continues his vile campaign to subdue a free and sovereign nation, it is imperative that the United States do everything possible to hold him and Russia accountable for their repression of religious freedom, past and present. I'm thankful to Representative Wilson for his partnership in introducing this critical piece of legislation to support religious minorities in Ukraine, my colleagues in the House of Representatives for passing it with bipartisan support, and call on my colleagues in the Senate to immediately send it to President Biden's desk for signature."

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