The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the introduction of the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act by Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) and Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO).
Earlier today, CAIR posted on X expressing support for the measure, which reaffirms U.S. leadership in defending the right to believe and worship freely.
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director said:
“We strongly support the introduction of the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act, co-led by Congressman Mark Alford and Senator Ted Budd. This legislation addresses a long-standing and serious violation of human rights: the systematic suppression of religious freedom by the Chinese Communist Party.
“For decades, the CCP has targeted Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, Buddhists, and other religious minorities for arbitrary imprisonment, forced labor, and broad restrictions on freedom of belief and worship.
“By imposing sanctions on officials who carry out these abuses, reinforcing the responsibility of the U.S. Department of State to address religious persecution in the People’s Republic of China, and formally expressing Congress’s sense that China should remain designated as a Country of Particular Concern, the Act offers a concrete and meaningful response.
“Through this legislation, the United States reaffirms its leadership in promoting religious freedom globally, standing with the persecuted, and holding authoritarian regimes accountable for their misconduct. We urge swift action to advance this bill and call on additional members of Congress and the Administration to join this effort.”
CAIR encourages the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to move quickly to advance this important measure and applauds lawmakers working to defend the rights of Uyghur Muslims and all faith communities facing persecution in China.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com