Press Releases
Congress Fears Religious Persecution under Nepal’s New ConstitutionCall on Nepal to Protect Religious Freedom, Strike Controversial Provision
Washington,
September 15, 2015
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Greg Brooks
((202) 225-3164)
As Nepal’s Constituent Assembly began voting on a new constitution this week, members of the United States Congress are urging Secretary of State John Kerry to call upon Nepal to strike provisions that endorse religious discrimination against historically marginalized communities. Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), spearheading the effort, notes that these provisions would violate international human rights treaties which Nepal is a party to. “We are seeing early warning signs that Nepal may legalize the persecution of up to 20 percent of its population, based solely on religious belief. It would be irresponsible not to speak up,” Wenstrup said. The 25 members of Congress are urging Secretary Kerry “to work through diplomatic channels and to coordinate with regional allies and the United Nations to call upon the government of Nepal to ensure that its new constitution protects the rights of religious minorities.” The specific concern stems from a clause which prohibits proselytizing and public expression of beliefs, what Wenstrup describes as an “anti-conversion” provision that goes against religious freedoms. The cosigners of the letter are hoping extra scrutiny from the international community will safeguard the rights of threatened religious minorities.
Cosigners Include: Brad Wenstrup (OH-02)
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