Condemning the Government of Iran's State-Sponsored Persecution of its Baha'i Minority and its Continued Violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan measure that condemns Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and calls for the release of all religious prisoners in Iran.

In recent months, the Iranian regime has responded to the Iranian people's peaceful demands for change with violent suppression. The world has been a witness to that brutality.

Sadly, Iran's Baha'i community is very familiar with the regime's cruelty. For years, the Baha'i have been subjected to a campaign of state-sponsored persecution. Baha'is across Iran face arbitrary arrest, forced disappearance, property expropriation, and economic discrimination every day.

The regime's deplorable treatment of the Baha'i shows how the Ayatollah denies Iranians access to basic human rights.

Persecution based on religious belief is abhorrent and warrants condemnation in the strongest possible terms. This resolution is a reminder of Congress' continued commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Iran, including freedom of worship and belief.

Mr. Speaker, I thank our former colleague, Ted Deutch, for his longtime work to support the Baha'i in Iran and for his original authorship of this bipartisan measure.

The House of Representatives will continue to work tirelessly to protect and defend the human rights of the Iranian people.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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