Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 492, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, while the Congress is rightly concerned about Iran's nefarious nuclear program, its missile proliferation, and its destabilizing activities around the globe, we cannot forget those who continue to struggle for religious freedom and democracy in Iran. Iran's Baha'i community has long been the target of severe religious persecution by the Iranian regime. Much of its informal leadership has been arrested and many members of the community executed. The Baha'i are not permitted to practice their religion and culture. Their marriages are not recognized, their dead cannot be buried according to Baha'i law, and their cemeteries are desecrated. In addition, the Baha'i are denied government jobs and business licenses. They are not permitted to enroll in public universities and Baha'i schoolchildren are frequently harassed by classmates, teachers, and administrators. No human being deserves this type of treatment and certainly not at the hands of their government. As has been noted in this House in the past, the social teaching of the Baha'i faith, such as the equality of women and men, and the principle of each individual's responsibility to investigate the truth, are impossible for theocratic leaders of Iran to comprehend; yet, these are universal values, human values, and they must be protected. Mr.…”