Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 134 introduced by my good friend and colleague from Illinois (Mr. Dold). House Resolution 134 condemns the Iranian regime's persecution of Iran's Baha'i minority. Baha'is are the largest non-Muslim minority in Iran, numbering over 300,000 members in Iran alone. This resolution marks the 12th congressional action urging the Iranian regime to end its persecution of the Baha'i minority. And still, Baha'is do not have the freedom to practice their religion. In fact, restrictions on Baha'is extend far beyond their religious practices to further restrict their civil rights and human rights. Many members of the Baha'i faith living in Iran are even subject to harassment, to persecution by the regime, and others with extensive reports of confiscation of property, restrictions on travel, and raids on Baha'i homes and businesses. The Iranian Government continues to arrest and detain Baha'is based on their religious beliefs, with at least 60 cases logged last year alone. The members of the national leadership of the Baha'i in Iran, arrested in 2008 and unfairly tried with minimal access to their defense attorneys, are now serving a 20-year sentence for crimes, crimes including insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the regime.…”