Bill Sponsor
House Simple Resolution 349
115th Congress(2017-2018)
Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws.
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in House on May 22, 2017
Overview
Text
Introduced
May 22, 2017
Latest Action
Jun 27, 2017
Origin Chamber
House
Type
Simple Resolution
Simple Resolution
A form of legislative measure introduced and potentially acted upon by only one congressional chamber and used for the regulation of business only within the chamber of origin. Depending on the chamber of origin, they begin with a designation of either H.Res. or S.Res. Joint resolutions and concurrent resolutions are other types of resolutions.
Bill Number
349
Congress
115
Policy Area
International Affairs
International Affairs
Primary focus of measure is matters affecting foreign aid, human rights, international law and organizations; national governance; arms control; diplomacy and foreign officials; alliances and collective security. Measures concerning trade agreements, tariffs, foreign investments, and foreign loans may fall under Foreign Trade and International Finance policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
Democrat
Maryland
Democrat
California
Democrat
California
Democrat
California
Democrat
California
Democrat
California
Democrat
California
Republican
Colorado
Democrat
Massachusetts
Democrat
Minnesota
Republican
Nebraska
Democrat
New Hampshire
Republican
New Jersey
Republican
North Carolina
Democrat
Pennsylvania
Democrat
Rhode Island
Democrat
Tennessee
Republican
Texas
Republican
West Virginia
House Votes (0)
No House votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Calls on the President and the Department of State to: (1) make the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, or apostasy laws a priority in the bilateral relationships of the United States with all countries that have such laws; and (2) designate countries that enforce such laws as "countries of particular concern for religious freedom" under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

Urges the governments of countries that: (1) enforce such laws to amend or repeal such laws; and (2) have prosecuted, imprisoned, and persecuted people on charges of blasphemy, heresy, or apostasy to release such people unconditionally and ensure their safety.

Encourages the President and the State Department to oppose: (1) any efforts by international or multilateral fora to create an international anti-blasphemy norm, and (2) any attempts to expand the international norm on incitement to include blasphemy or defamation of religions.

Supports United Nations efforts to combat intolerance, discrimination, or violence against persons based on religion or belief without restricting expression.

Text (1)
Actions (3)
06/27/2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.
05/22/2017
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
05/22/2017
Introduced in House
Public Record
Record Updated
Jan 11, 2023 1:36:33 PM