22 USC 6441 - Presidential actions in response to violations of religious freedom

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 23, 2024

§ 6441.

Presidential actions in response to violations of religious freedom

(a)

Response to violations of religious freedom

(1)

In general

(A)

United States policy

It shall be the policy of the United States—

(i)

to oppose violations of religious freedom that are or have been engaged in or tolerated by the governments of foreign countries; and

(ii)

to promote the right to freedom of religion in those countries through the actions described in subsection (b).

(B)

Requirement of Presidential action

(2)

Basis of actions

(b)

Presidential actions

(1)

In general

Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the President, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Ambassador at Large, the Special Adviser, and the Commission, shall, as expeditiously as practicable in response to the violations described in subsection (a) by the government of a foreign country—

(A)

take one or more of the actions described in paragraphs (1) through (15) of section 6445(a) of this title (or commensurate action in substitution thereto) with respect to such country; or

(B)

negotiate and enter into a binding agreement with the government of such country, as described in section 6445(c) of this title.

(2)

Deadline for actions

Not later than September 1 of each year, the President shall take action under any of paragraphs (1) through (15) of section 6445(a) of this title (or commensurate action in substitution thereto) with respect to each foreign country the government of which has engaged in or tolerated violations of religious freedom at any time since September 1 of the preceding year, except that in the case of action under any of paragraphs (9) through (15) of section 6445(a) of this title (or commensurate action in substitution thereto)—

(A)

the action may only be taken after the requirements of sections 6443 and 6444 of this title have been satisfied; and

(B)

the September 1 limitation shall not apply.

(3)

Authority for delay of Presidential actions

(c)

Implementation

(1)

In general

In carrying out subsection (b), the President shall—

(A)

take the action or actions that most appropriately respond to the nature and severity of the violations of religious freedom;

(B)

seek to the fullest extent possible to target action as narrowly as practicable with respect to the agency or instrumentality of the foreign government, or specific officials thereof, that are responsible for such violations; and

(C)

when appropriate, make every reasonable effort to conclude a binding agreement concerning the cessation of such violations in countries with which the United States has diplomatic relations.

(2)

Guidelines for Presidential actions

In addition to the guidelines under paragraph (1), the President, in determining whether to take a Presidential action under paragraphs (9) through (15) of section 6445(a) of this title (or commensurate action in substitution thereto), shall seek to minimize any adverse impact on—

(A)

the population of the country whose government is targeted by the Presidential action or actions; and

(B)

the humanitarian activities of United States and foreign nongovernmental organizations in such country.

(Pub. L. 105–292, title IV, § 401, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2800.)

cite as: 22 USC 6441