Texas House Bill HCR193

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 4/23/09
• Refer: 5/1/09

Caption

Expressing support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in Istanbul, urging intervention by the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to stop institutional discrimination against the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and calling on the government of Turkey to safeguard religious rights within its borders, including those of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Impact

The bill articulates concerns over the Turkish government’s failure to uphold the rights and freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including the denial of rights to elect leaders and train clergy. By calling attention to the confiscation of properties and the imposition of significant taxes on the institutions linked to the Patriarchate, HCR193 positions itself as a vehicle for advocating not just for religious rights, but for broader human rights protections in Turkey. This is particularly relevant in the context of Turkey's alignment with European Union standards for democratic governance and minority rights.

Summary

HCR193 is a concurrent resolution from the Texas Legislature expressing support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, located in Istanbul, Turkey, and urging U.S. and international bodies to address the ongoing institutional discrimination faced by this religious entity. The resolution highlights the historical significance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which serves as a central figure for Orthodox Christians around the world. In particular, it notes the decline in the Orthodox population in Turkey and how this affects the continuity of religious leadership and traditions that span nearly 2,000 years.

Contention

Notably, the resolution underscores the perceived hypocrisy in Turkey's secular governance in relation to its treatment of religious minorities, specifically Orthodox Christians. As the specter of violence and discrimination against religious communities looms, this bill serves as a call to action, aiming to rally both national and international entities—such as the European Union and the United Nations—to hold Turkey accountable for its commitments toward religious freedoms. The contention arises from the potential for international diplomatic pressure and the implications of U.S. foreign policy regarding Turkey, particularly in balancing human rights advocacy with strategic geopolitical interests.