[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 70 (Monday, May 1, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 OPENING OF EXHIBIT ``DEFENDING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY'': THE STORY OF THE 
                                 BAHAIS

                                 ______


                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                           Monday, May 1, 1995
  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call attention to the Members 
and the general public of the opening of an exhibit entitled 
``Defending Religious Liberty,'' on view in the rotunda of the Cannon 
House Office Building, U.S. House of Representatives, May 2-5, 1995.
  The focus of the exhibit is on repression of the Bahai community and 
portrays America's concern for religious freedom and the response of 
the United States and other nations to the persecution of members of 
Iran's largest religious minority.
  Those who practice the Bahai faith number 6 million in more than 205 
countries with more than 100,000 worshipers in the United States. The 
Islamic regime calls the Bahai faith a conspiracy and heresy. Followers 
have no legal rights and secret documents show official Government 
policy is suppression of the Bahai community. Bahai students have been 
expelled from schools, followers have been denied food ration cards, 
dismissed from jobs and denied pensions. Many have disappeared, been 
kidnapped, jailed, tortured, and executed on account of their religion.
  Congress has acknowledged that the abusive treatment of the Bahais is 
a critical human rights concern. Although diplomatic pressure and 
critical publicity has elicited a positive response from the Iranian 
Government the Bahai community remains an oppressed minority, denied 
the right to elect leaders, conduct religious schools, and pursue other 
organized religious activities.
  Bahai members are composed of the mainstream of people, from 
different races, nationalities, and social and economic backgrounds. 
They believe that all people are meant to live in peace and unity and 
should be supported in their continuing efforts to protest against the 
Iranian Government's persecution of Bahais.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope this exhibit will remind us of the oppression of 
our fellow human beings. We must continue to direct our efforts toward 
resolving these crimes against humanity. Therefore, I propose we should 
never resume trade or diplomatic relations until the Islamic 
Revolutionary regime reverses their policy.


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