February 29, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1087 There was no objection. timidation, and discrimination based on reli- have 5 legislative days in which to re- Mr. ISSA. I reserve the balance of my gious beliefs’’ including ‘‘death sentences for vise and extend their remarks and in- time, but I am prepared to close. apostasy or evangelism’’; clude extraneous material on this Ms. NORTON. I thank the chairman Whereas in October 2009, Youcef measure. Nadarkhani, an Iranian Christian, protested again for the haste with which he was an Iranian law that would impose Islam on The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there able to get this bill heard today. his Christian children; objection to the request of the gen- I have no further speakers, and I am Whereas in September 2010, an Iranian tleman from Pennsylvania? pleased to yield back the remainder of court accused Youcef Nadarkhani of aban- There was no objection. my time. doning the Islamic faith of his ancestors, and Mr. PITTS. I yield myself such time Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I urge imme- condemned him to death for apostasy; as I may consume. diate support for this important reform Whereas the Iranian court sentenced Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the for the District of Columbia, and I Youcef Nadarkhani to death by hanging; leaders on both sides of the aisle for al- yield back the balance of my time. Whereas on December 5, 2010, Youcef Nadarkhani appealed his conviction and sen- lowing this resolution to come to the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tence to the Supreme Revolutionary Court floor so promptly. question is on the motion offered by in Qom, Iran, and the court held that if it Article 18 of the Universal Declara- the gentleman from California (Mr. could be proven that he was a practicing tion of Human Rights reads: ISSA) that the House suspend the rules Muslim in adulthood, his death sentence Everyone has the right to freedom of and pass the bill, H.R. 3902, as amend- should be carried out unless he recants his thought, conscience and religion; this right ed. Christian faith and adopts Islam; includes freedom to change his religion or The question was taken; and (two- Whereas from September 25 to September belief, and freedom, either alone or in com- thirds being in the affirmative) the 28, 2011, an Iranian court held hearings to de- munity with others and in public or private, termine if Youcef Nadarkhani was a prac- rules were suspended and the bill, as to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, ticing Muslim in adulthood, and held that he practice, worship and observance. amended, was passed. had abandoned the faith of his ancestors and Iran was one of the original signers A motion to reconsider was laid on must be sentenced to death if he does not re- the table. cant his faith; of the declaration and has not removed their country from the agreement, f Whereas on numerous occasions the judici- ary of Iran offered to commute Youcef even through changes in government. CONDEMNING IRAN FOR ITS PER- Nadarkhani’s sentence if he would recant his In October of 2009, Youcef SECUTION OF YOUCEF faith; Nadarkhani was alarmed to find out NADARKHANI Whereas numerous Government of Iran of- that his children were being forced to Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I move to ficials have attempted to coerce Youcef participate in Islamic religious in- Nadarkhani to recant his Christian faith and struction at their local school. suspend the rules and agree to the reso- accept Islam in exchange for his freedom; lution (H. Res. 556) condemning the Whereas Youcef Nadarkhani continues to Pastor Youcef had no radical reac- Government of Iran for its continued refuse to recant his faith; tion to this revelation. Indeed, he only persecution, imprisonment, and sen- Whereas the Government of Iran continues went to the school and asked that his tencing of Youcef Nadarkhani on the to indefinitely imprison Youcef Nadarkhani children be granted their rights under charge of apostasy, as amended. for choosing to practice Christianity; and the Iranian Constitution to freedom of The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Whereas the United Nations Special religion. These rights explicitly in- tion. Rapporteur on the situation of human rights clude parents’ rights to bring up chil- in Iran has reported that, at the time of his dren under the religious teaching of The text of the resolution is as fol- report, on October 19, 2011, Iran had secretly lows: executed 146 people during that calendar the family. H. RES. 556 year, and in 2010, Iran secretly executed For the crime of asking that his Whereas the United Nations Universal Dec- more than 300 people: Now, therefore, be it rights be respected, Pastor Youcef was laration of Human Rights and the Inter- Resolved, That the House of Representa- summoned to a tribunal. There he was national Covenant on Civil and Political tives— arrested and charged with unlawful Rights recognize that every individual has (1) condemns the Government of Iran for protesting. This charge was later ‘‘the right to freedom of thought, conscience its ongoing and systemic violations of the changed to apostasy. human rights of the Iranian people, includ- and religion’’, which includes the ‘‘freedom After almost a year in prison, Pastor to change his religion or belief, and freedom, ing the state-sponsored persecution of reli- gious minorities in Iran, and its continued Youcef was convicted and sentenced to either alone or in community with others death. A panel of judges demanded that and in public or private, to manifest his reli- failure to uphold its international obliga- gion or belief in teaching, practice, worship tions, including with respect to the Uni- he recant his faith. When confronted and observance’’; versal Declaration of Human Rights and the with this demand, Pastor Youcef stat- Whereas Iran is a member of the United International Covenant on Civil and Polit- ed, ‘‘I cannot.’’ Nations and signatory to both the Universal ical Rights; While it is difficult to peer past the Declaration of Human Rights and the Inter- (2) calls for the Government of Iran to ex- gates of an Iranian prison, we have onerate and immediately and uncondition- national Covenant on Civil and Political some evidence that there has been con- Rights; ally release Youcef Nadarkhani and all other individuals held or charged on account of tinued pressure on Pastor Youcef to re- Whereas the United Nations Special cant and that there may have been at- Rapporteur on the situation of human rights their religious or political beliefs; in Iran has reported that religious minori- (3) calls on the Administration to des- tempts to trap him into blaspheming ties, including Nematullahi Sufi Muslims, ignate additional Iranian officials, as appro- Islam. Despite this pressure, he has re- Sunnis, Baha’is, and Christians, face human priate, for human rights abuses pursuant to mained faithful. rights violations in Iran; section 105 of the Comprehensive Iran Sanc- With our religious freedom protected Whereas in recent years, there has been a tions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of by the First Amendment, it is difficult 2010 (Public Law 111–195); and significant increase in the number of inci- for any of us to imagine what Pastor dents of Iranian authorities raiding religious (4) reaffirms that freedom of religious be- lief and practice is a universal human right Youcef has been going through, torn services, detaining worshippers and religious away from his children and family, leaders, and harassing and threatening mem- and a fundamental individual freedom that bers of religious minorities; every government must protect and must placed in a high-security prison, with Whereas the United Nations Special never abridge. the likely outcome being the hang- Rapporteur on the situation of human rights The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- man’s noose. in Iran has reported that Iranian intelligence ant to the rule, the gentleman from Today, we’re not asking Iran to re- officials are known to threaten Christian Pennsylvania (Mr. PITTS) and the gen- spect our laws or our conventions. converts with arrest and apostasy charges if tleman from New York (Mr. HIGGINS) We’re asking them to abide by the they do not return to Islam; each will control 20 minutes. agreements at the United Nations that Whereas the Department of State’s most The Chair recognizes the gentleman they have signed on to. recent report on International Religious Freedom, released on September 13, 2011, from Pennsylvania. The authorities in Iran are not proud states that Iran’s ‘‘laws and policies severely GENERAL LEAVE of sentencing Pastor Youcef to death. restrict freedom of religion,’’ and notes Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- Indeed, the Iranian Government ‘‘government imprisonment, harassment, in- mous consent that all Members may doesn’t even want their own people to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:54 Mar 01, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29FE7.134 H29FEPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1088 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 29, 2012 know that Pastor Youcef has been Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 and there he is a Christian facing the charged for practicing his religion. minutes to a champion of human death penalty simply for professing his State media have actually reported rights, the gentleman from Alabama faith. that he is charged with rape and extor- (Mr. ADERHOLT), chairman of the Ap- Pastor Youcef, he’s a husband, he’s a tion, not apostasy. propriations Subcommittee on Home- father. He has two young children. Millions of Iranians are members of a land Security and a member of the Hel- They’re not even teenagers. They’re 7 minority religious group. Sunni Mus- sinki Commission. and 9 years old. I know they must be lims, Christians, Jews, and Mr. ADERHOLT. I want to thank my incredibly proud of their father, who Zoroastrians are all proud to call Iran colleague, the gentleman from Penn- would stand up against forces of repres- home. They want to live in peace with sylvania, for his work on this in au- sion that would kill him simply be- their neighbors, and they want to fol- thoring this resolution. I think, as Mr. cause he professed his faith in Christi- low the law, but they cannot do so PITTS mentioned, both sides of the anity. It’s wrong. I don’t say it as an when their faith is under assault. aisle have worked together on this American only, I say it as a citizen of This evening, I’m proud that we have issue. I know many times the Amer- this small planet we live on, that every bipartisan support for this resolution. ican people get frustrated with what human being should be able to worship I’m proud to join with Representative goes on here in Washington, but this is and seek the divine as they see fit. KEITH ELLISON on this resolution. We a time when Democrats and Repub- Pastor Youcef deserves to be free. stand together tonight in support of licans have come together, Mr. Speak- Pastor Youcef must be released. Pastor basic human rights, and we appeal to er, and worked together, and I think Youcef needs to walk out of that pris- the highest authorities in Iran to spare this is certainly a crucial thing that on, grab his cross, go to his church, and the life of Youcef Nadharkani. we’re doing tonight. lead his congregation in prayer, freely. Please let this father return to his Few times, Mr. Speaker, do Members He should be able to do it in his home- wife and his children. Further still, let of Congress have the opportunity to town in a local church. the Iranian people freely practice their work on life-and-death issues. I would All of us, no matter who you may be faith. Stand by your commitments to tell my colleagues tonight, Mr. Speak- on this planet, you must stand for that your people and to the world. er, tonight is one of those issues. idea, because if it can’t be for one, it With that, I reserve the balance of As has already been said by Mr. can’t really be for any. We have to my time. PITTS, this is an issue where a pastor, stand together, people of all faiths, all Mr. HIGGINS. I yield myself as much Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, is in prison cultures, and all backgrounds and time as I may consume. because of his belief. ethnicities and say that the right to Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support There are few things in life that a seek the divine as you see fit must be of this important resolution. I would government can provide for its citizens an essential component of the human like to join my colleagues in calling for that’s more important than religious experience. expression and a simple ability to wor- the immediate release of Youcef I also say a word of caution, and that ship as one chooses. That is why the Nadarkhani and all of the other indi- is that the regime in Iran uses opportu- support of this resolution tonight is so viduals who are held or charged on ac- nities to deprive the people of human important, House Resolution 556. count of their religion. rights whenever they claim that We would ask that the people of this I would also like to send a message to there’s a threat of war looming. I urge country, Mr. Speaker, would remember Pastor Youcef’s family. Please know diplomacy because I think that when- not only Pastor Youcef but other citi- that the United States stands behind ever they can claim that they are zens of Iran and other countries around you, and we will do all we can to see under military threat, this allows them the world that sit in the same position that Youcef is set free. to crack down on any dissenter and try Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to com- as Pastor Youcef does. But tonight, we focus on Pastor to use people like Pastor Youcef as an prehend in this day and age that there example so that other people will not are nations in which one is not free to Youcef. We ask the leadership in Iran to set aside this ruling and release Pas- freely express themselves and claim practice the religion of their choosing. their God-given right not only to free- And in Iran, freedom of religion is not tor Youcef, and also that he can be re- united with his wife and his two young dom of faith but to freedom of expres- the only right Iranian citizens are de- sion, the right to a fair trial. nied. The Iranian regime also con- boys who are there in Iran. You know, we come together in this tinues to maintain severe restrictions Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the op- place, this Congress that we’re all in, on freedom of expression, association, portunity to speak tonight. I urge my and sometimes we debate taxes, and and assembly. colleagues to support this resolution. sometimes we debate where bridges Tehran maintains strict control over Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 should go, and we debate all kinds of domestic and international media, minutes to the gentleman from Min- stuff. But I pray that there will never aimed at reducing Iranians’ contact nesota (Mr. ELLISON). be a debate about the simple right of with the outside world. And individuals Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, tonight every individual to worship and see and groups risk arrest, torture, impris- we come together, Republicans, Demo- God as they see fit or not to. onment for political protesting or co- crats, Muslims, Christians, and Jews, operating with foreign human rights to stand for a very simple idea, and I just am particularly saddened when organizations. that idea is that it ought to be the case I think about how the early Muslim that a person can freely profess their community, and Iran professes Islam, b 1950 faith. It ought to be the case that no but early Muslims, the first Muslims Women’s and minority rights activ- matter what your religion is, it’s dear were persecuted in their home of Mecca ists and other human rights defenders, to you, and you should not be punished 1,400 years ago, and they fled their lawyers, journalists, and students are for professing it publicly wherever you country, and they sought out their regularly arrested and harassed. Once are. freedom of their faith in a distant land imprisoned, detainees are ill-treated You know, I have not really sought ruled by a Christian king in Ethiopia, and tortured. These are just a few ex- out a lot of attention for my own faith, and there they found sanctuary under amples of the repressive tactics of the but I got some of it anyway, and the that Christian king. Iranian regime. We must continue to fact is that I feel so privileged to be an When their prosecutors and tormen- speak out against these injustices and American where I can, for the first tors crossed the Red Sea and came into call on our friends and allies to do the time ever, when I was sworn in, use a Africa and went to that king with same. book of my faith. bribes and said, Give us these people Mr. Speaker, once again, I ask Iran As I heard about the story of Pastor back, they’re renegades, that Christian to immediately release Pastor Youcef Youcef, I thought to myself, wow, you king listened to those early Muslims and end its State-sponsored persecu- know, here I am a Muslim in a Chris- and said, You know what? These people tion of religious minorities. tian majority country free to swear in are under my protection. You can go I reserve the balance of my time. on a Koran when I came to Congress, home.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:54 Mar 01, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29FE7.136 H29FEPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE February 29, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1089 I only wish tonight Pastor Youcef other forum not known to us, whether act to establish a religion and shall not could get a return of that sanctuary in one chooses not to worship at all, prohibit the free exercise thereof. That his own land. whether one lives on any of the con- comes before the freedom of the press Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 tinents of the world, practices any of or speech or assembly or petition of minutes to the gentleman from Vir- the political ideologies of the world, is grievances. ginia (Mr. FORBES), chairman of the there not a common bond among those If you want to understand America, Armed Services Subcommittee on who feel the overwhelming love when you must understand this basic belief Readiness. they first hold their daughter or their that the Americans have in the right of Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I first son? the freedom of religion. want to compliment Congressman Is there not a common bond among So we ask, we implore, the authori- PITTS and Congressman ELLISON for those who feel the anxiety of worrying ties in Iran: free Pastor Youcef. Keep their leadership in this matter and to whether a sick child will be healed? faith with the documents you’ve recognize tonight, Mr. Speaker, as we Is there not a common bond of the signed. Free him. Return him to his go through our busy lives, we often immense pride that a mother or a fa- family. take for granted the privilege of living ther feels when their children achieve I urge support, Mr. Speaker, of the in a Nation that’s governed by Found- some hard-fought goal? Members for House Resolution 556. ers who realized there were a set of Is there not a common bond of the With that, I yield back the balance of rights so fundamental, so much at the empty and hurtful feeling that people my time. core of life itself that they could not know that someday they will have to Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, a come from any State or any govern- depart from the children they love so young Christian pastor sits today in prison in ment but had to come from the hands dearly? Iran—separated from his wife and young chil- of the Creator of life himself. That day is coming all too soon for dren, facing the death penalty—because he At the center of these rights, some Pastor Youcef if those who are mothers will not lie about his beliefs. He will not lie would say the foundation of them, is and fathers, who are his captors, do not even to save himself. the freedom of religion. As we travel consider that ineffable human bond. He will not lie even to spare his family suf- around the world and see other citizens This is a man who tonight sits in fering. He is a man of extraordinary conviction. who do not have these rights, we may prison awaiting execution because he A man of decision. A man who knows what he be saddened or even angered, but when loved his children enough to insist that believes. Youcef Nadarkhani will follow his the government of any nation of the they be free to worship as he and his conscience though it cost him everything. world is so dangerous to the lives of its family thought they ought to worship. citizens that it’s willing to rob one of This is labeled as ‘‘apostasy.’’ The act Iranian courts have repeatedly asked him, those citizens of life itself merely be- of his arrest and impending execution on pain of death, to reject his Christian faith cause he will not recant his faith, we is a monstrous act of inhumanity. and say that he believes in Islam. He re- not only feel sadness and anger, but We do not appeal to the law, though sponds, ‘‘I cannot.’’ also fear. it is on our side. We do not deal from The resolution (H. Res. 556) on the floor Tonight, the citizens of Iran should political consensus, although I believe this evening is not an attempt to say which re- be afraid of such an oppressive and dan- it exists in and out of this country. Our ligion is right. Rather, this is a resolution that gerous government. Tonight, the appeal is based on the simple, ineffable affirms that Youcef Nadarkhani has the God- neighbors of Iran should be afraid of quality that parents have an innate given right—even the responsibility—to believe such an oppressive and dangerous gov- right to love their children. This man as his conscience directs him. ernment. has been deprived of this right. That No human government should interfere. deprivation should not exist for an- Iran is a member of the United Nations and 2000 b other hour, another day, another mo- signatory to both the Universal Declaration of Tonight, the citizens of the world ment. Human Rights and the International Covenant should be afraid of such an oppressive We will stand strong and united in on Civil and Political Rights. Both documents and dangerous government. calling for the humane release of Pas- affirm that that every individual has ‘‘the right They should condemn this govern- tor Youcef, and we pray tonight that to freedom of thought, conscience and reli- ment for its actions. They should stand that wish will be granted by his cap- gion,’’ which includes the ‘‘freedom to change with this pastor, and they should join tors, who must understand that they his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone hearts with people of all faiths around have that same ineffable love. or in community with others and in public or the world to pray for his life and his Mr. PITTS. I would like to inquire of private, to manifest his religion or belief in safety. the gentleman if he is prepared to yield teaching, practice, worship and observance;’’ Every Member of this body should back. I am prepared to close. Under international law voluntarily agreed to adopt this resolution. Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I have no by Iran, Youcef Nadarkhani has the right to Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 further requests for time, and I yield change his religion. minutes to the gentleman from New back the balance of my time. He was free to change from Islam to Christi- Jersey (Mr. ANDREWS). Mr. PITTS. I yield myself the bal- anity. He is free to change back. (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given ance of my time. But the government of Iran is NOT free to permission to revise and extend his re- Tonight, as Pastor Youcef sits in force him in either direction. Iran has made a marks.) prison, awaiting a hangman’s noose, I commitment to leave men like Youcef Mr. ANDREWS. I thank my friend for want him to know and the people of Nadarkhani in peace. This resolution calls on yielding and my friends from Pennsyl- Iran to know and the people of the Iran to follow international law. vania and Minnesota for sponsoring world to know that we stand with him. Iran sets aside seats in its Parliament for this bill. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Christians and permits hundreds of churches Tonight, we stand united and strong him. to function across the country. And yet it also for the release of Pastor Youcef. Al- I would say to those international cracks down on religious minorities, falsely though the legal case for his release is guests who might watch this telecast seeing them as a security threat. overwhelming, as Mr. PITTS has out- that you will never understand Amer- The most recent U.S. State Department Re- lined, we do not rely on the law in our ica until you understand that, in our ligious Freedom Report lists numerous cases plea. Though our political convictions Constitution, the very First Amend- of arrest and detention of Christians, both lay shared among everyone on both sides of ment contains the freedom of religion, people and leaders. For instance: the aisle I believe here are deep, our not the freedom from religion. It con- appeal is not based on politics. Instead, tains the freedom of religion. It is not On April 11, 2010, government agents ar- our appeal is based on the ineffable our Second, our Sixth, our 16th, or our rested 19-year-old Daniel Shahri, a Christian, on the basis of insulting Islam. Shahri was human quality of the loving bond be- 26th Amendment. It is our First able to contact his parents on April 14, 2010, tween a parent and his children. Amendment. It is the first thing men- while being held in a prison in Isfahan. He Whether one worships in a mosque, a tioned in the First Amendment—the was released on April 24, 2010 on bail and temple, a church, a synagogue, or some freedom of religion: Congress shall not awaits a trial date . . .

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:58 Mar 01, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29FE7.137 H29FEPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1090 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 29, 2012 On January 8, 2010, the Fars Provincial not only for Americans or Christians or Repub- serve his three-year prison sentence. The cen- Ministry of Intelligence detained an un- licans or Democrats, it is a sacred right for all tral prison of Kermanshah is described as hor- known number of persons who were report- humanity. The U.N. Declaration of Human rendous and sickening by knowledgeable edly Christians. Under interrogation the de- tainees gave the names of those leading Rights, of which Iran is a signatory, allows for sources. Christian groups in the area leading to fur- the ‘‘right to freedom of thought, conscience Mr. Speaker, the cases described above ther arrest. and religion’’ and this right includes the free- would largely go unnoticed and the persecuted On December 24, 2009, Pakdasht security dom to change religion or belief. I would like would be forced to suffer if we are silent. forces raided a home-church gathering and to note that Pastor Yousef was imprisoned Given our own freedoms in America and the arrested the 15 members who were in attend- and charged with apostasy in direct violation responsibility to represent the concerns of our ance. All 15 were released in early January with the international standards that Iran had constituents who are concerned with the suf- with orders to return to sign documents. accepted. The fundamental right of religious fering of persons and families abroad, I be- Upon returning three were rearrested and held until March 17 when they were released freedom, furthermore, is enshrined in Iran’s lieve we have a personal responsibility to ... Constitution in Articles 13, 14, and 23. stand up for justice and support those who are Mr. Speaker, the Pitts-Ellison resolution con- The report of the U.S. Commission on Inter- persecuted. I would also urge other world demns the Iranian government, one of the national Religious Freedom underscores the leaders to not wait to speak out on behalf of most horrific perpetrators of religious freedom danger to Muslim converts to Christianity in Pastor Yousef and his universal right of reli- violations, for its repression of religious minori- Iran and a recent increase in arrests. This re- gious freedom until it is too late. ties. It focuses, in particular, on the case of Mr. Speaker, Alexander Hamilton, one of port, issued in May 2011, indicates that: Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, a Christian with the architects of our Republic, said, ‘‘The sa- Since June 2010, more than 250 Christians have been arbitrarily arrested throughout the Church of Iran denomination, who faces cred rights of mankind are not to be rum- the country.... In December 2010 and Janu- imminent execution for his faith. Pastor maged for among old parchments or musty ary 2011 alone, approximately 120 Christians Yousef’s arrest and imprisonment resulted records. They are written, as with a sunbeam, were arrested.... During the reporting pe- from questioning the mandate from the gov- in the whole volume of human nature, by the riod, the number of incidents of Iranian au- ernment of Iran that all school children be hand of the divinity itself; and can never be thorities raiding church services, harassing taught Islamic teachings. erased.’’ and threatening church members, and arrest- Mr. Speaker, one of the most precious Mr. Speaker, may the right of religious free- ing, convicting, and imprisoning worshippers rights parents can have is having the freedom dom touch those around the world and per- and church leaders has increased significantly. to educate their own children and bring up sons of all faiths, and may future generations Christians, particularly Evangelical and other Protestants, are subject to harass- their children the way they believe is best for walk in the sunlight of that most inalienable ment, arrests, close surveillance, and impris- their family. Pastor Yousef was not given this and universal freedom. onment; many are reported to have fled the foundational right to instill in his children a re- Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong country. (emphasis added) spect for freedom of religion and conscience. support of H. Res. 556, which condemns the Tragically, Youcef Nadarkhani is not the As the author of The Children’s Hope Act, I Government of Iran for its persecution, impris- only believer in prison. He is just the only one know how critical it is for parents to make their onment, and sentencing to death of Pastor we know of who is facing the death penalty for own independent decisions about the edu- Youcef Nadarkhani. apostasy. cation of their children. No parent should have Pastor Youcef is a 34-year old father of two Whatever the political conflicts between the to face death, as is the situation for Pastor who was arrested over two years ago for the United States and Iran, whatever the tensions Yousef, just for asking his government to grant crime of converting from Islam to Christianity. over weapons—human rights do not change. him freedom of religion, even if that freedom In October 2009 he was tried and found guilty Iran’s signature on the Universal Declaration of religion was narrowly defined to the free- of apostasy—and sentenced to death-by- of Human Rights and the International Cov- dom to educate and practice his faith in his hanging. More recently, the Iranian Supreme enant on Civil and Political Rights has not own home. Court upheld the sentence. changed. Mr. Speaker, the case of Pastor Yousef is Iranian law requires that a man accused of All nations, including Iran, must respect the only one of many other deplorable religious apostasy be given three chances to recant his consciences and religious freedom of their citi- freedom cases in Iran. A close personal friend beliefs and return to Islam. Pastor Youcef was zens—and not practice religious coercion. of Pastor Yousef and a member of the Council given his three chances. In every instance, Youcef Nadarkhani is not a political pawn. of Elders for the Church of Iran described the Youcef refused. Nothing, not even the threat He is a person—a person being prayed for by egregious situation for Christians in the Middle of death, would discourage him from remain- citizens around the world. East as strikingly similar to ‘‘the final decision ing true to his faith. He proved himself as reli- Tonight, the U.S. Congress stands with him in Germany,’’ when the Nazis religiously and giously committed as he is physically, and and with all people of conscience, calling on racially ‘‘cleansed’’ German society of the morally, courageous. the Government of Iran to release him and en- Jews. This elder ended by saying that the Mr. Speaker, last September President sure his safety. ‘‘international reaction [to the religious cleans- Obama said, Pastor Nadarkhani has done Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, at no ing in the Middle East] is also like the time of nothing more than maintain his devout faith, other point in recent history has it been more Hitler. They waited and didn’t react until it was which is a universal right for all people. . . . crucial for Congress to take action on inter- too late.’’ In Iran, at least 285 Christians were A decision to impose the death penalty would national religious freedom. I would like to arrested during the first half of 2011 without further demonstrate the Iranian authorities’ deeply thank my colleagues, Congressmen reaction. utter disregard for religious freedom, and high- JOE PITTS and KEITH ELLISON, for sponsoring Mr. Speaker, one such case of the silently light Iran’s continuing violation of the universal H. Res. 556 that addresses religious freedom persecuted is Masoud Delijani, a school teach- rights of its citizens. in Iran. These vital issues deserve our imme- er in Kermanshah, Iran, who was arrested by Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us con- diate attention as we see religious persecution plain clothes intelligence officers in March demns the Government of Iran for its state- escalate internationally: in Iraq, for instance, 2011. He was arrested, together with his wife sponsored persecution of religious minorities Assyrian Christians were brutally murdered in and nine other Christian converts, when they and for its repression of freedom of thought their church and continue to be directly tar- had gathered in a house church for a service. and of religion, and calls for the immediate re- geted by terrorist organizations; some have He was held in solitary confinement and was lease of Youcef Nadarkhani and of all other in- even been attacked and murdered on their severely pressured both mentally and phys- dividuals held or charged on account of their own front doorstep. In China, thousands of ically. The court eventually charged him with religion. Christians and Falun Gong practitioners are having faith in Christianity and for holding ille- The House of Representatives should stand forced into re-education through labor camps gal house church gatherings. in solidarity with Pastor Youcef. I encourage while the lawyers that try to defend them are Mr. Speaker, the Revolutionary Court of all of my colleagues to support this important often imprisoned. Uygur Muslims and Tibetan Kermanshah province recently sentenced resolution. Buddhists are targeted as separatists because Masoud Delijani to three years in prison. Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong of their faith. Sources report that his trial was anything but support of H. Res. 556, a resolution con- Mr. Speaker, commitment to religious free- fair: he was denied the right to choose his demning the government of Iran for its ongo- dom is not just for one faith community but for own advocate or defend himself against the ing repression of religious minorities, including people of all confessions throughout the world charges levied. Masoud Delijani is now being 34-year-old Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. I was and across political lines. Religious freedom is held in Deizal-Abad prison of Kermanshah to an original cosponsor of this resolution, and

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thank my friend Congressman PITTS for intro- Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ, California. down the prices at the pump. It pains ducing this important legislation. f me the look on people’s faces when Just this past week, Iranian authorities re- they tell me that they’re making $10 newed an order of execution for Christian Pas- FREEDOM OF RELIGION an hour and are paying upwards of $4 tor Youcef Nadarkhani, a young father of two. (Mr. PEARCE asked and was given for a gallon of gas. What are they sup- Pastor Nadarkhani was originally arrested in permission to address the House for 1 posed to do, Mr. Speaker, stop going to 2009 for protesting the teaching of Islam at minute.) work because gas is so expensive? the public school that his children attended. Mr. PEARCE. Less than 1 month ago, We are facing a significant crisis, and He was later charged with apostasy which car- Kathleen Sebelius issued a finding that it’s a travesty, it’s a shame. My col- ried a much more severe penalty. Since 2009 said that every insurance company in leagues here tonight are here to say we he has been subjected to repeated attempts to the country would have to offer insur- will not stand for it. coerce him to recant his faith—which he has ance products, some of which would of- How do I go back home this weekend courageously refused to do. Rather, Pastor fend the faiths of many people. This is to explain to my constituents why gas Nadarkhani’s perseverance in the face of this against our Constitution, and it is prices have risen $1.80 per gallon since injustice is a source of great inspiration. In a against the rights of conscience of a this President took office? How do I ex- 2010 letter from prison, he wrote that the true free people. plain that this administration may be believer, ‘‘does not need to wonder for the Mr. Speaker, across religious lines, willing to tap the Strategic Petroleum fiery trial that has been set on for him as the people of New Mexico and the peo- Reserve, which is only to be used when though it were something unusual, but it ple especially of southern New Mex- there is a severe energy supply disrup- pleases him to participate in Christ’s suffering. ico—Catholic, Protestants and people tion, instead of opening up more land Because the believer knows he will rejoice in of no religion, people across cultural for exploration, which brings me to my his glory.’’ lines, and people across racial lines— next point. Indeed, Pastor Youcef has faced a ‘‘fiery are gathering this Saturday: this Sat- Mr. Speaker, this administration al- trial.’’ And now, according to a February 22 urday to protest, this Saturday to leges that it has opened up vast Fox New story, the latest developments mean stand and say that the government amounts of our lands for leasing. In that Pastor Youcef may be ‘‘executed at any needs to back up out of our church. fact, just a few days ago, on February time without prior warning, as death sentences This is not a Republican issue. This 23, at the University of Miami, I quote: in Iran may be carried out immediately or is not a Democrat issue. This is an Under my administration, America is dragged out for years.’’ issue of the Constitution and of a free- producing more oil today than at any Pastor Youcef’s case is just the latest exam- dom-loving people. other time in the last 8 years. ple of Iran’s attacks on basic human rights, in- So I encourage all who are across This is simply false, a false telling of cluding freedom of religion. In recent years, this United States to begin to organize reality. While it may be true that new there has been a significant increase in Iran in and stand in the streets to tell the gov- production is occurring on private acts of repression and discrimination against ernment that enough is enough. We are lands where the President can’t involve religious minorities including Bahai’s and meeting this Saturday, March 3, in Las his anti-energy administration, Fed- Christians. These actions show a continuing Cruces, New Mexico, from 1:00 to 2:30. eral lands and offshore development is disregard by Iranian authorities for the Uni- It will be a very large gathering. There far below what it has been in previous versal Declaration of Human Rights, the Inter- will be speakers from both parties and years. Let me cite to you some very national Covenant on Civil and Political Rights from all faiths. startling statistics. as well as its own constitution. We think that it is time for Ameri- According to an article on E&D on In addition to supporting this resolution con- cans to be united together again, as Monday, just a few days ago, produc- demning Iran for these shocking and flagrant one people, against a government that tion of natural gas on public lands and violations of fundamental freedoms, I call on has become too strong. waters in fiscal year 2011 dropped 11 percent from 2010. That’s a drop of 11 the government of Iran to immediately and un- f conditionally release Pastor Youcef percent on public lands and waters in Nadarkhani. b 2010 fiscal year 2011. Oil production on Fed- eral lands dropped 14 percent since last The SPEAKER pro tempore. The HOUSE ENERGY ACTION TEAM year, and this reduction was most sig- question is on the motion offered by HOUR the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. nificant in the gulf, which declined by PITTS) that the House suspend the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. 17 percent since 2010. rules and agree to the resolution, H. GIBBS). Under the Speaker’s announced According to a Wall Street Journal Res. 556, as amended. policy of January 5, 2011, the gen- editorial from the other day, drilling The question was taken. tleman from Colorado (Mr. GARDNER) is plans have historically been approved The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the recognized for 60 minutes as the des- 73 percent of the time. Since the begin- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being ignee of the majority leader. ning of 2012, the President has only ap- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. GARDNER. Mr. Speaker, I’m proved 23 percent. Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, on that I here tonight for one reason: to stand up Approval of an offshore drilling plant demand the yeas and nays. for hardworking Americans who are typically takes about 92 days right The yeas and nays were ordered. spending far too much when they fill now. That’s 31 days over average. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- up at the pump, and I’m here for that In 2000, just 12 years ago, 32 percent ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- same American who turns on the TV or of our oil was from Federal lands. Why? ceedings on this question will be post- reads the newspaper after a long day at In 2010 that number shrank to 19 per- poned. work to see that Iran is threatening to cent of total U.S. production. Let me f cut off our oil supply out of the Middle say that again. In 2000, 32 percent of East and to see continued inaction by our oil was from Federal lands. In 2010 APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO this administration to discourage en- that number shrank to 19 percent of BOARD OF VISITORS OF THE ergy projects, energy production that total U.S. production. UNITED STATES MILITARY would lower the price of gas here at We aren’t opening up our Federal ACADEMY home. These are Americans that are lands for development, and that’s the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The scared. They simply don’t have the reason for the significant drop. The Chair announces the Speaker’s ap- money in their pocket, in their budget total onshore acreage leased under this pointment, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. to pay for these high prices, $60 to fill administration in 2009 and 2010 is the 4355(a), clause 10 of rule I, and the up a tank of gas, $80 to fill up the tank lowest in over 20 years. order of the House of January 5, 2011, of of gas. Mr. Speaker, the President has the following Members of the House to I find it increasingly more difficult claimed that he is opening up new off- the Board of Visitors of the United to explain to my constituents from shore areas for production and more States Military Academy: rural Colorado why this government land for leases. Again, this is false. Mr. HINCHEY, New York; isn’t advancing policies that will bring Many of these lease sales were already

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