Florida House Bill H0761

Florida 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/12/25
• Refer: 1/5/26
• Passed: 2/25/26

Caption

Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

Impact

The resolution calls for the United States to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a status that could have significant diplomatic and humanitarian implications. This designation is based on consistent recommendations from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, citing severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria. If adopted, the resolution could lead to increased pressure on the Nigerian government to address these human rights violations, as well as enhance discussions on international support for affected communities.

Summary

House Resolution 761 condemns the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, where violence against this community has reached alarming levels since the rise of Boko Haram and other militant groups. The resolution highlights that an estimated 52,250 Christians have been murdered since 2009, marking Nigeria as one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians. Additionally, it details the destruction of over 19,000 churches, the displacement of millions, and systematic and targeted attacks against Christian civilians, which many reports define as persecution.

Contention

While the resolution garners support from various representatives, it is also expected to spark debate regarding the U.S. foreign policy approach to countries facing allegations of religious persecution. Advocates argue that condemnation is necessary to uphold human rights standards, while critics may raise concerns about the implications of U.S. intervention in foreign nations. Some dissenting opinions may argue that such measures might not effectively address the root causes of violence and persecution against religious minorities.