[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  GOVERNMENT DISCRIMINATION IN GERMANY

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                           HON. ROBERT W. NEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my support to the House 
Resolution that expresses the sense of Congress with respect to 
government discrimination in Germany based on religion or belief, 
particularly against United States citizens.
  Government discrimination against members of minority groups, 
including American citizens, solely because of their religious beliefs, 
is occurring in Germany at the federal, state and local level. All acts 
have been documented in the last five State Department Human Rights 
Reports, United Nations Reports, and the most recent reports of the 
State Department Advisory Committee on Human Rights. Despite attempts 
of our State Department to address the issue with the German 
government, it is only getting worse.
  Because of a strong grass roots movement in this country by people of 
faith who are committed to ending religious persecution, Congress is 
taking a strong step toward helping to end international religious 
persecution. The right for someone to practice their faith should not 
be infringed by government actions. Our country was founded on this 
principle, and we should stand up for this principle when we deal with 
other countries.
  Religious persecution is morally unacceptable. Government 
discrimination based on religious belief, especially when it impacts 
American citizens, should not be allowed to persist without comment. I 
support this resolution offered by Representative Matt Salmon and I 
urge other Members to do the same.

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