The oppression of people anywhere based upon their religious beliefs or political views is something we must work to end. The continuing repression of the religious freedom and human rights of the Baha’is in Iran is horrible. Even more shocking is the harassment Baha’i children face while at school. We must remain committed to helping those who have lived for too long under the yoke of oppression.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has reported numerous human rights violations committed by Iranian Government officials against the Baha'is. At your request, I am co-sponsoring H.Res. 1008. This legislation condemns the government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of Baha'is and calls for an immediate end to any activities that repress the Iranian Baha'i community.

While the United States cannot always control what goes on in other countries, we should use our influence as a great nation to protect the religious liberties of everyone. It is vital for those of us who enjoy the right to freely worship to speak up on behalf of those who are denied this right.