North Indy News

U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) have introduced new legislation aimed at addressing the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in China. The bill, known as the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act, was filed on the 27th anniversary of International Religious Freedom Day.

The proposed legislation seeks to impose strict sanctions on Chinese officials found responsible for or directly involved in violations of religious freedom.

Senator Young stated, “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.”

Senator Budd added, “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.”

Other senators supporting the bill include Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). In addition, companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO-4).

The full text of the legislation is available online.