Jerry Moran: “Mr. Speaker, this resolution makes an important statement, that the Congress continues to hold the Government of Iran…”

“Mr. Speaker, this resolution makes an important statement, that the Congress continues to hold the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all of its nationals, including members of the Baha'i community. Concern about Iran continues to rise to the surface of our foreign policy horizon. Much of the focus has been on trade, on Iran's role in terrorism, its efforts to subvert governments in the Middle East, in North Africa, and its nuclear dealings with Russia and China. This resolution helps in keeping our focus on Iran's dismal record on human rights. Among the many other issues we have with that Government, Iran's denial of religious rights, the abuse of its citizens and violations of internationally recognized human rights are of deepest concern to this Congress. We make that message clear by passing this resolution. Our last resolution, which was adopted unanimously 2 years ago, was reiterated by the United Nations and the German Bundestag and the European Parliament condemning Iran's persecution of Baha'is. In some limited instances, Iran has responded to this pressure. There in some evidence that the persecution of individual Baha'is in Iran is less severe today than it was several years ago. But let there be no doubt. The Baha'i community is still an oppressed minority and is denied rights to organize, elect leaders, conduct religious schools and other religious activities.”