Young, Budd Condemn Chinese Crackdown on Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON - Today,U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced legislation to combat ongoing persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in China. The Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act, filed on the 27th anniversary of International Religious Freedom Day, would implement strict sanctions on any Chinese official who is responsible for or directly carries out violations of religious freedom.

"China's systematic persecution of religious leaders who peacefully practice their faith is horrific and shameful. We must continue to strongly condemn this action by the Chinese Communist Party and hold accountable those who perpetuate this reprehensible behavior," said Senator Young.

"China's disdain for religious freedom is not new. It is an ongoing and brutal pattern of abuse that must be met with steadfast American strength. As the leader of the free world, the United States must promote religious freedom around the world and hold China's authoritarian regime responsible for decades of persecution targeting Christians and other religious minorities. The CCP's restrictions on freedom of religion and cruelty toward religious minorities in China must come to an end," said Senator Budd.

Background:

The Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act would:

• Impose sanctions on Chinese officials who are responsible for or directly carrying out religious freedom abuse such as arbitrary imprisonment, forced labor, and broader restrictions on freedom of religion or belief.
• Strengthen efforts to combat the ongoing persecution of Protestant Christians, Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners, and other religious minorities in the People's Republic of China (PRC) within Department of State's programs, including its Bureau of East and Pacific Affairs.
• Express the sense of Congress that China should continue to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern.

In addition to Senators Young and Budd, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) co-sponsored the legislation.

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO-4).

Full text of the legislation can be found here.