Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR542

Introduced
6/22/23  

Caption

Condemning human rights violations and violations of international religious freedom in India, including those targeting Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, Adivasis, and other religious and cultural minorities.

Impact

The resolution expresses grave concern about the ongoing treatment of religious minorities in India, painting a picture of an increasingly oppressive environment. It highlights various forms of discrimination and persecution, including laws that criminalize religious conversions and interfaith marriages. The resolution also addresses the use of legislation to suppress the voices of minorities advocating for their rights through harassments, such as unlawful detentions. This positions US foreign policy on the acknowledgment and condemnation of India's human rights record, thereby potentially influencing diplomatic relations between the US and India.

Summary

House Resolution 542, introduced on June 22, 2023, is a resolution condemning human rights violations and violations of international religious freedom in India. The resolution specifically addresses the targeting of various religious and cultural minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Adivasis. It cites findings from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which has repeatedly called for designating India as a 'Country of Particular Concern', emphasizing the systematic promotion of discriminatory practices against religious groups by the Indian government at different levels.

Contention

The resolution outlines specific issues highlighted by the USCIRF report, including the arbitrary detention of individuals advocating for religious freedom and severe retaliations against dissenting voices. Notable cases have been mentioned, reflecting systemic injustices faced by minority communities in India, such as the treatment of Father Stan Swamy, a human rights activist who died in custody. Through the resolution, the House of Representatives aims to take a strong stance against these documented violations, while also calling for international accountability and measures to protect religious freedoms in India.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SR569

A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

US SR52

A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

US SR424

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Government engage the Government of India to seek a swift end to the persecution of, and violence against, religious minorities and human rights defenders in India and a reversal of government policies that discriminate against Muslims and Christians on the basis of their respective faiths.

US HR616

Expressing support for the people of Afghanistan, condemning the Taliban's assault on human rights and the specific targeting of women, girls, and members of religious and ethnic minorities, and expressing support for any Afghans who assisted in the United States mission in Afghanistan.

US HR82

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, the need to appoint a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, and for other purposes.

US HR492

Condemning the Government of Iran's state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights.

US HR220

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, and for other purposes.

US HR515

Commemorating the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on July 6, 2025, as "A Day of Compassion", and expressing support for the human rights, religious freedom, and cultural and linguistic protection of the Tibetan people.

US HR556

Recognizing the religious significance of Eid al-Adha and wishing Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world a prosperous holiday.

US HR1394

Celebrating the principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human rights, and the rule of law shared by both the United States and India, the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India, and the success of the Indian diaspora in the United States.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.