March 29, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1281 with intellectual disabilities enrolled In addition to the chairman’s re- The Clerk read as follows: in comprehensive programs on their marks, I would like to add, if I could, H. RES. 736 campus. that from time to time, my son, Alex, Whereas the , at great cost in Madam Chairman, I have seen first- is on the floor of the House of Rep- blood and treasure, helped the people of Af- hand how IDEA has benefited my own resentatives, and I believe that Alex is ghanistan liberate themselves from the tyr- son, Alex, who is a student at Lake- a fine representation, as well as the anny of the and adopt free institu- wood Elementary School in Dallas, Members of this body, who take time tions and practices, including respect for Texas. Alex, who is 12 years old, has to recognize the individual and special rule of law and internationally recognized Downs Syndrome, and he has made sig- human rights; talents that not only Alex possesses as Whereas the preamble of the Constitution nificant academic progress and has a result of him being a young adult been provided with many of the same of the Islamic Republic of af- with Downs Syndrome, but also his firms that the people of Afghanistan are ‘‘for educational opportunities as his peers love that he extends to people. And creation of a civil society free of oppression, as a result of IDEA. I know that IDEA this body has always gone out of their atrocity, discrimination, and violence and will serve as an incredible opportunity way to express to Alex and make him based on the rule of law, social justice, pro- for Alex throughout his K–12 edu- feel like he was a part of this body tection of human rights, and dignity, and en- cation. also. suring the fundamental rights and freedoms However, I also realize that IDEA of the people’’; And I would thank the gentleman, will not be there to serve his needs Whereas Article 7 of the Constitution of both the gentlemen from California, after high school. Therefore, I am very the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan provides not only for their agreement with this pleased to stand here today in recogni- that ‘‘the state shall observe the United Na- tion of those colleges and universities bill today, but also I think it extends tions Charter, inter-state agreements, as who are filling the post-IDEA void for the knowledge that this body has with well as international treaties to which Af- ghanistan has joined, and the Universal Dec- so many young Americans. I am proud the capacity to understand that thou- sands of other families that have their laration of Human Rights,’’ which includes to offer this amendment that will pro- the right to freedom of thought, conscience, vide many young adults with intellec- own Alex, that they, if their children have the ability to do something when and religion and the freedom to change one’s tual disabilities the ability to access religion or belief; the vital postsecondary programs that they get out of high school, that there Whereas Article 18 of the International lead to a very fulfilling life. would be a program like this. And so I Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes would like to thank the ranking mem- which Afghanistan has acceded, provides to the gentleman from California (Mr. ber and the chairman of our com- that ‘‘[e]veryone shall have the right to free- MCKEON), the chairman of the com- mittee. dom of thought, conscience and religion . . . mittee. Madam Chairman, I yield back the [t]his right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and Mr. MCKEON. Madam Chairman, I balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time freedom, either individually or in commu- thank the gentleman for yielding. And nity with others and in public or private, to I want to thank him for his leadership having expired, the question is on the manifest his religion or belief in worship, ob- on this issue. We have worked together amendment offered by the gentleman servance, practice and teaching’’; and on this issue before. I am getting to- from Texas (Mr. SESSIONS). Whereas the President of the United States ward the end of my life. I am a lot The amendment was agreed to. has expressed his concern about the Abdul older than a lot of the people around Mr. MCKEON. Madam Chairman, I Rahman case, stating that ‘‘[i]t is here. But in my youth, I remember move that the Committee do now rise. deeply troubling that a country we helped when families that had children with The motion was agreed to. liberate would hold a person to account, be- Downs Syndrome used to keep them Accordingly, the Committee rose; cause they chose a particular religion over out of sight. And we have made so another’’: Now, therefore, be it and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. SES- Resolved, That the House of Representa- much progress. And I have a nephew SIONS) having assumed the chair, Mrs. tives— that has Downs Syndrome, and I see MILLER of Michigan, Acting Chairman (1) condemns, in the strongest possible the love that he has brought into their of the Committee of the Whole House terms, the enforcement of laws against apos- family. He is 12 also. And to think that on the State of the Union, reported tasy; we have come so far and yet we have an that that Committee, having had under (2) requests the President to continue to opportunity to go further. And this consideration the bill (H.R. 609) to work with the Government of Afghanistan to amendment makes that possible. And I amend and extend the Higher Edu- establish better protections for religious mi- just want to thank the gentleman for norities, including converts to minority reli- cation Act of 1965, had come to no reso- gions, and to enhance human rights protec- his efforts in this, and on behalf of all lution thereon. children with Downs Syndrome to give tions in Afghanistan; and f (3) calls upon the Government of Afghan- them the opportunity to go as far as ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER istan, and especially President Hamid they can, because I think that is some- Karzai, to continue to conform Afghan laws thing that, again, improves and en- PRO TEMPORE to Afghanistan’s international human rights hances the bill. And I appreciate the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. treaty obligations, thereby protecting Af- gentleman’s efforts. MILLER of Michigan). Pursuant to ghan citizens who have converted or plan to Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Chairman, I clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair will post- convert to other religions from prosecution. reserve the balance of my time. pone further proceedings today on the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. motion to suspend the rules on which a ant to the rule, the gentleman from In- Madam Chairman, I ask unanimous recorded vote or the yeas and nays are diana (Mr. PENCE) and the gentleman consent to claim the time, but I am not ordered, or on which the vote is ob- from California (Mr. LANTOS) each will opposed to the amendment. control 20 minutes. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Is there ob- jected to under clause 6 of rule XX. Any record vote on the postponed The Chair recognizes the gentleman jection to the request of the gentleman from Indiana. from California? question will be taken later today. There was no objection. f GENERAL LEAVE Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I ask Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE Madam Chairman, I yield myself such unanimous consent that all Members HOUSE REGARDING RELIGIOUS may have 5 legislative days to revise time as I may consume. PERSECUTION IN AFGHANISTAN I want to thank the gentleman for of- and extend their remarks and include fering this amendment. I think it is an Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I move extraneous material on the resolution important addition to this legislation, to suspend the rules and agree to the under consideration. and I urge my colleagues to support it. resolution (H. Res. 736) expressing the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Madam Chairman, I yield back the sense of the House of Representatives objection to the request of the gen- balance of my time. that legal action in Afghanistan tleman from Indiana? Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Chairman, I against citizens who have already con- There was no objection. yield myself such time as I may con- verted or plan to convert to other reli- Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I yield sume. gions is deplorable and unjust. myself such time as I may consume.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:36 Nov 18, 2006 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORDCX\T37X$J0E\H29MR6.REC H29MR6 ccoleman on PROD1PC71 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H1282 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 29, 2006 Madam Speaker, we come into this Afghan citizens who have converted or manitarian gesture and for their sup- Chamber fresh back to work from a may plan to convert to other religions port of international human rights. March recess period where Members of from prosecution. But while Mr. Rahman’s case may Congress, like millions of Americans, This is an important moment. It is have come to closure, the broader issue reeled from a story emerging from our an important dialogue, and I am grate- remains. Afghanistan must live up to new cherished ally, Afghanistan. It was ful to have played some small role in its own constitution which provides for a story that was deeply disturbing to it. the protection of religious freedom, average Americans, and even using Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- and it is the duty of the United States, that phrase himself, to the President of ance of my time. our NATO allies, and the entire inter- the United States of America. It was Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I national community to help Afghani- the story of a man who was facing the yield myself such time as I may con- stan establish better protections for re- death penalty merely for the reason sume. ligious minorities, including converts, that he had converted from to I rise in strong support of this resolu- and to enhance human rights protec- , and he was facing pros- tion. I would first like to thank my tions for all the citizens of Afghani- ecution and possible execution in a na- good friend and distinguished col- stan. tion that the American soldiers and league, Congressman PENCE of Indiana, The United States and our friends the American people had liberated and for introducing this critically impor- around the globe are not sacrificing continue to liberate in Operation En- tant resolution. This is in line with his hundreds of our soldiers and commit- during Freedom. longstanding commitment to religious ting hundreds of billions of dollars of It is about this case that, while it is freedom and human rights across the our resources so that Afghanistan resolved, still raises profound and im- globe. could revert to the days of the Taliban. portant questions that we gather here I would also like to commend my As the lead Democratic sponsor of today and bring this resolution before friend and a champion for inter- this resolution, I strongly urge all of my colleagues in both political parties the Congress. national religious freedom, HENRY Madam Speaker, I am also very hum- HYDE, chairman of the House Inter- to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- bled today by the support of the distin- national Relations Committee, for joining us in support of this measure. ance of my time. guished chairman of the International Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I yield Relations Committee, who gave me the Madam Speaker, as we have turned on the evening news in recent weeks, myself such time as I may consume. privilege of managing the time today Madam Speaker, Congressman TOM we have been riveted by the shocking on this resolution. There has been no LANTOS is a tough act to follow, and I case of an Afghan citizen, Mr. Abdul stronger voice for human rights and re- am tempted sorely to say amen and Rahman, facing the death penalty for ligious liberty in the world in this Con- yield back. But I will share a few brief converting to Christianity. Along with gress throughout his career than Chair- observations on H. Res. 736. man Henry Hyde, and I am honored to my colleagues in Congress and leaders I had the honor of traveling as an stand in his stead today. of several NATO countries, I expressed American Congressman to Afghanistan I am also deeply humbled by the ac- outrage that while soldiers from the in December of 2004. Prior to my depar- tive participation, both in this debate United States and other NATO allies ture, I was eager to see this newly today and in the development of this are dying in defense of a free Afghani- minted democracy, a democracy won resolution, of the ranking member of stan, that country’s government would by the bravery of the American soldier the House International Relations be seeking to prosecute an Afghan cit- and coalition forces, and to meet the Committee, a man I have come to deep- izen for acting on his inalienable right people of Afghanistan, to see the good ly admire for his passion for human as a free human being to choose his work being done by their people in rights, human dignity and religious own religion. His case was made all the and beyond. freedom and all of the Bill of Rights more absurd because he converted well During that visit, I had the honor of liberties that we cherish being mani- before this new government even ex- meeting privately with President fest around the globe, Mr. LANTOS from isted. . He is an affable, ap- California. The support of these two gi- Madam Speaker, tolerance and free- proachable, and humble man whom I ants of this institution, along with the dom of worship are the sine qua non of came to view, as many others have, as support of a number of our other co- democracy. They are key principles in the indispensable man of this new, sponsors, highlights the importance of the protection of human rights, which democratic Afghanistan. President this debate that we undertake today. must be embraced by every demo- Karzai proved his worth again when, as For while in the case of Abdul Rahman, cratic, pluralistic government, includ- a direct result of his intervention, jus- this man has been freed under cir- ing the Government of Afghanistan. In- tice was brought to the case about cumstances that still remain somewhat deed, Madam Speaker, the founding of which we gather today, when Abdul opaque to the American public at this our own Nation and the efforts to cre- Rahman was released from prison. But hour, while Abdul Rahman has been ate a more free and open society began while I am relieved that by virtue of freed, the is still with members of oppressed religious President Karzai’s personal engage- behind bars in Afghanistan. And so minorities in Europe yearning to wor- ment Abdul Rahman has been freed, re- today, Madam Speaker, in H. Res. 736, ship as they saw fit. ligious freedom in Afghanistan is still this Congress, through its Members, Afghan authorities resolved this case behind bars. and the American people, will condemn by claiming that Mr. Rahman was The American people today have the in the strongest terms the enforcement mentally unfit and therefore was un- luxury of looking upon recent events in of laws against apostasy. able to stand trial. Unfortunately, this Afghanistan through the eyes of people approach is totally unacceptable be- far removed from the volatile days of b 1500 cause what we have here is a generic, the beginning of our own Republic, and We will request the President to con- long-term problem. It is reasonable to we must be careful what prism we look tinue to work with the Government of believe that there will be other reli- through when we seek to remove the Afghanistan to establish better protec- gious converts in Afghanistan, and it speck from our neighbor’s eye. We are tions for religious minorities, includ- would be unacceptable to assume that far removed from the events unfolding ing converts to minority religions, and they are all mentally unfit and need over 3 years following ratification of to enhance human rights protections in special treatment. the U.S. Constitution, the establish- Afghanistan. And we also will respect- Madam Speaker, earlier today in a ment of protections under our own Bill fully call on the Government of Af- testament to its commitment to inter- of Rights. ghanistan and especially President national religious freedom, the Govern- Unlike the American people today, Hamid Karzai to continue to conform ment of agreed to grant asylum President Karzai and the people of Af- all Afghan laws at every level to Af- to Mr. Rahman, and I understand that ghanistan find themselves at the very ghanistan’s international human rights he has now arrived in Italy. I applaud beginning of a long and arduous jour- treaty obligations, thereby protecting the for this hu- ney of democracy, a democracy within

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This is not an ‘‘American point of view.’’ charity to a fledgling democracy that Madam Speaker, those who die in the This is not a ‘‘Western point of view.’’ This is we are anxious to support. cause of freedom never die in vain, for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But, Madam Speaker, when the Loya they light the flame of freedom and in- This is fully confirmed by the International Jirga in Afghanistan approved the con- still its care to generations that follow. Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to stitution, they were explicit in stating, This generation of the people of Af- which Afghanistan has acceded. as Mr. LANTOS just observed, basic ghanistan is a noble generation, a gen- Today’s resolution condemns the enforce- human rights protections. And as stat- eration of opportunity, and they have a ment of laws against apostasy. I would go fur- ed in this resolution, the constitution solemn duty of fanning the flame by ther: we must condemn not just the enforce- of Afghanistan ‘‘affirms that the people protecting the fundamental rights of ment, but the very existence of such laws. of Afghanistan are ‘for creation of a their country like the freedom to be- Whether enforced or not, they are an ever civil society free of oppression, atroc- lieve and practice a religion of one’s present threat to all believers, an ever present ity, discrimination, and violence and own choosing. reminder that those who believe differently are based on the rule of law, social justice, Madam Speaker, in this resolution, it second class citizens. They are a continuing protection of human rights, and dig- is my hope that we would not send a denial of the principal of individual human dig- nity, and ensuring the fundamental message of condemnation but a clear nity and freedom. rights and freedoms of the people.’’’ So message that, despite the grave con- And I call upon the President to work not cerns the American people have raised, reads the constitution of Afghanistan. just with the government of Afghanistan to en- Article 7 of that same constitution of seeking protections for religious mi- hance human rights protection and religious the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan norities, the American people still re- freedom, but also with Iraq. Last year I and provides ‘‘the state shall observe the main committed to working in partner- my colleagues pointed out that the new Iraqi Charter, interstate ship and solidarity with President Constitution also contains language which en- agreements, as well as international Karzai and the people of Afghanistan dangers individual freedom, especially reli- as they bring about a more perfect treaties to which Afghanistan has gious freedom and the rights of women. The union for their people, a union that re- joined, and the Universal Declaration Iraqi Parliament now must adopt crucial imple- flects the fundamental liberties for of Human Rights,’’ which does, I might menting legislation for the Constitution. We which the American soldier and coali- add, Madam Speaker, include the right must ensure that such legislation effectively tion forces fought in tandem with free- to freedom of thought, conscience, and protects individual freedom and freedom of dom-loving people in Afghanistan to religion and even the freedom to conscience. Otherwise we may see countless win. And it is in that spirit that we change one’s own religion or belief. repetitions of the appalling drama that has just bring this resolution today. Like House Resolution 736 says, been completed in Afghanistan. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, today the Congress will call upon the I also call upon the President to work with I commend President Bush, Secretary of State Government of Afghanistan, and espe- Sri Lanka, whose government has pandered and Afghan President cially President Karzai, to continue to religious extremists by introducing Karzai for their quick and decisive action to the good work of conforming Afghani- anticonversion laws. Sri Lanka is a recipient of save the life of Afghani Christian convert stan’s laws to Afghanistan’s inter- Millennium Challenge grants, which are pre- Abdul Rahman. I wish to extend my thanks to mised on progress in democracy and rule of national human rights treaty obliga- my fellow Congressmen, fellow Americans and tions, thereby protecting their citizens law, not regress. other members of the world community who Finally, I call upon my colleagues to support who have made a decision of con- rose up to demand that the travesty of Abdul science, a decision of the heart as be- this important resolution. Rahman’s trial and near certain death for Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I yield tween one religion or another, to be apostasy be stopped. The actions, and the back the balance of my time. free from prosecution. prayers, of millions helped save an innocent The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Madam Speaker, I implore respect- man and demonstrate that the world commu- MILLER of Michigan). The question is fully the people of Afghanistan to con- nity will not tolerate such offenses against on the motion offered by the gen- tinue to work through this difficult freedom of conscience. tleman from Indiana (Mr. PENCE) that issue. It is a process through which our We all dodged a bullet in Afghanistan. But the House suspend the rules and agree Nation worked for 200 years before our the problem is not just Afghanistan, and the to the resolution, H. Res. 736. Nation was founded; and our struggle ultimate solution is not simply granting asylum The question was taken. toward a more perfect Union remains for yet another of conscience. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the the ongoing American struggle. Vig- problem is the increased number, and increas- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of orous debate is important within a de- ing attempts to enforce, laws and statutes those present have voted in the affirm- mocracy, but recognition of funda- against conversion in many countries of the ative. mental, inalienable rights, especially world, not just Afghanistan. This freedom of Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, on the right to freedom of conscience and thought, conscience and belief is now threat- that I demand the yeas and nays. freedom of thought, is the wellspring of ened not only in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, The yeas and nays were ordered. every other liberty. Egypt and Iraq. It is also threatened in coun- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Like many Americans fearful of the tries such as Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia, ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the dangerous chain of events a case like where religious pluralism has long been estab- Chair’s prior announcement, further Abdul Rahman’s could unfurl, I see re- lished. It is threatened in countries like Russia proceedings on this question will be ligious freedom as a clear, inalienable and Belarus, where minority religions are de- postponed. right and a right that is key to their nounced as ‘‘non-traditional’’ and suffer har- f success and the successful relationship assment and discrimination. between our two countries. Freedom of religion is founded on the inher- MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES Thomas Paine said it well, ‘‘That ent dignity of every individual. It is a right that ON H.R. 4297, TAX RELIEF EX- which we obtain too easily we esteem is not granted at the whim of governments. TENSION RECONCILIATION ACT too lightly.’’ Freedom of religion does not mean permission OF 2005 I do not believe that the people of Af- for an individual to follow the religion of his an- Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I ghanistan attained democracy too eas- cestors, and no other. It does not mean that offer a motion to instruct. ily, and I do not suggest in this resolu- only established religions have the right to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tion that they take it too lightly. I be- exist and be practiced freely. It means, rather, Clerk will report the motion. lieve the Afghan people have fought that: The Clerk read as follows: long and hard and at extraordinary Everyone has the right to freedom of Mr. Rangel moves that the managers on personal cost in decades of struggle for thought, conscience and religion; this right the part of the House at the conference on

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