[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1917-E1918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          FREEDOM TO TRADE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 17, 2001

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the Freedom to Trade Act, 
which promotes tolerance, understanding and respect by prohibiting 
United States nationals, permanent resident aliens, or United States 
Government agencies from entering into agreements with foreign persons 
who prevent or inhibit a United States business from undertaking a 
commercial activity, or otherwise discriminate against the business, on 
the basis of the religious beliefs, practices or associations, sexual 
orientation, race, or gender of an individual associated with the 
United States business. Furthermore, this legislation also prevents US 
nationals, permanent resident aliens, or US Government agencies from 
entering into agreements to provide loans, guarantees, credit or other 
avenues of financing to such foreign persons that discriminate against 
US businesses for the above stated reasons, in addition to instructing 
the Secretary of the Treasury to inform the United States Executive 
Director of each financial institution to use the voice and vote of the 
United States to oppose any assistance from that financial institution 
to any foreign person that engages in the aforementioned discriminatory 
behavior and practices.
  The horrific acts of terrorism perpetrated against the people of the 
United States on September 11th by evil doers who seek to threaten and 
damage our way of life and a direct affront and attack on our 
compassion, tolerance and understanding of the vast cultural, ethnic, 
religious, racial and other diversities that comprise the great people 
of our nation! In our time of crisis the people of our United States 
have taken a heightened interest in the importance of protecting human 
rights. Safeguarding human rights, for all, deserves all the attention 
we devote to it.
  The question of freedom of religion is a matter of deep, personal 
concern to me. More than just a personal concern, it is one which most 
Americans share. Freedom from discrimination as set forth in my 
legislation includes protections of religious beliefs, practices and 
association are values that are inherent to free people. Our neighbors 
living in our global neighborhood must share in these values. As recent 
events throughout the world reveal, not everybody does. We must make 
certain that the nations of the world share our respect for human 
rights. The right to religious freedom and to be free of rampant 
discrimination is something which should never be taken for granted. It 
is a fragile and precious provision that must be guarded against 
impositions at all times. This can be done through participation in the 
work of international organizations and through continuation of an 
international dialogue on human rights, through teaching tolerance, 
mutual understanding and through cooperation. For those who choose to 
discriminate, the Freedom to Trade Act has the teeth to punish the 
transgressors.
  Discrimination and suppression of religious rights is all too common 
in totalitarian states and regimes. Nations such as China, Iran, Sudan, 
Vietnam, as well as the brutal and intolerant Taliban regime in 
Afghanistan are just a few of the transgressors. In China, Falun Gong 
has suffered severe repression and persecution. Despite the popular 
appeal of this movement and despite its peaceful means, the Chinese 
regime continues to see Falun Gong as a threat, and to treat them as 
such. At the same time, China has continuously pursued a policy towards 
Tibet that severely limits the spiritual freedom of the Tibetan people. 
In the House International Relations Committee, we have repeatedly 
condemned China's treatment of its minority groups. We will continue to 
do so.
  Not long ago, Congress passed a bill on trade relations and human 
rights in Vietnam. Despite its advances in freedom and prosperity, 
Vietnam pursues a brutal and despicable policy of repression towards 
its religious minorities. The bill serves as an example for any 
government that tries to suppress religious freedom. It also presents a 
framework for further advances towards freedom, human rights, and the 
rule of law.
  Together with the Office on International Religious Freedom and 
through my work on the International Relations Committee we have 
managed to bring the world's attention to these issues. I have a strong 
feeling that under the guidance of the International Religious Freedom 
Act and the universal declaration of human rights the world is becoming 
a less discriminating place. The Department of State's Bureau of 
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor's most recent reports on 
International Religious Freedom and on human rights reveals that 
allegations and acts of state sponsored discrimination perpetrated 
against religious minorities are rampant.
  The road towards a world free from discrimination and religious 
persecution in our lifetime is attainable, but the challenges are great 
and the road a winding and difficult one. Regrettably, it is not just 
the anti-democracy, totalitarian regimes that engage in state sponsored 
discriminatory practices. While it is heartening to see the unified 
support that our European allies are showing for the United States in 
these trying times and like my colleagues, I am profoundly grateful for 
their friendship and assistance there is a disturbing pattern of 
discrimination against minority religions. Recently, France passed a 
law that severely limits the rights of minority religions. The law is 
designed to control ``sects,'' and does so in a profoundly intolerant 
manner. As a colleague of mine stated, ``this law--if allowed to 
stand--could spread an anti-religious contagion throughout Europe.'' In 
Austria, in Germany, and in Belgium, the governments use the same 
discriminatory methods of registration. Their practice of designating 
minority groups ``sects'' or ``cults'' is clearly a violation of 
universal human rights.
  The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, recognizes 
the right of every human being to ``have or to adopt a religion of his 
choice, and either individually or in community with others and in 
public and private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, 
observance, practice and teaching. . . .'' The signatories have pledged 
``not to discriminate on the basis of religion.'' With 144 signatories 
to the covenant, it is part of the body of law that we commonly refer 
to as International Law, and it is incumbent upon the international 
community to enforce such laws.
  The House International Relations Committee has held numerous 
hearings on religious intolerance throughout the world. The Ambassador 
for International Religious Freedom has testified before the 
International Committee a number of times. There's a growing awareness 
with U.S. officials of the need to add pressure to the governments 
around the world on this issue. The number of countries that the 
Secretary of State has deemed ``countries of particular concern'' under 
the International Religious Freedom Act is disheartening.

[[Page E1918]]

  During our hearings, the members of the International Relations 
Committee stated that they will support legislative restrictions on the 
entry into the United States of foreign government officials associated 
with repression of religious rights; this legislation makes our 
assertions a reality, and further extends protected freedoms from 
discrimination to other categories.
  Mr. Speaker, the question is, what can Americans do to help uphold 
values of tolerance, human rights and dignity in foreign countries--
especially in nations which are our friends and allies. I believe, that 
the Freedom to Trade Act is a necessary safeguard to protect our people 
from religious intolerance and other forms of discrimination wherever 
it rears its ugly head. For these and many other reasons I urge my 
colleagues to support the Freedom to Trade Act, and together we can 
take the necessary steps to eradicate the evils that seek to destroy 
the free world.

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