[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1072-E1073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              H. RES. 109

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE CHABOT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2014

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
approved House Resolution 109 condemning the Government of Iran for its 
state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued 
violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights. The 
resolution received wide bipartisan support in the Committee.
  This resolution is of particular interest to me. The Baha'i people 
practice a religion entirely of peace that strives to create a society 
of global unity and oneness. The City of Cincinnati, Ohio is greatly 
enriched by the presence of the Baha'i Community. Their place of 
worship in Cincinnati is located about a mile away from my home. As a 
neighbor to the community, I have been witness to the gentleness and 
compassion of the Baha'i people.
  The Iranian regime continues to persecute those of the Baha'i faith 
by charging, imprisoning, abusing, and murdering individuals on trumped 
up charges including alleged ``propaganda against the state.'' Human 
Rights Watch says, ``These transparently political charges make it 
painfully clear that authorities have targeted the Baha'i people not 
for any crime, but because of their religious beliefs.''
  The followers of the Baha'i faith are denied the constitutional 
rights that others of the Iranian society are granted. In Iran, the 
Baha'i do not have the freedom to practice their religion, and their 
marriages are not recognized by the Iranian government. The rights of 
the Baha'i community are continually being violated in Iran.
  The Baha'i faith is truly a religion of peace. The Baha'i is the 
youngest of the independent world religions, founded by Bahaa'u`llaah 
in 19th century Iran. At the heart of Bahaa'u`llaah's teaching, is the 
unification of all mankind and the building of a peaceful, global 
community. Bahaa'u`llaah once said, ``The earth is but one country, and 
mankind its citizens.'' The practice of the Baha'i encourages the 
dedication of one's life for humanity and the friendship with followers 
of all religions. The Baha'i seeks to establish equality of women and 
men and to eliminate prejudices.
  Since the beginning of its existence, the Baha'i community has 
carried out the peaceful teachings of Bahaa'u`llaah, and has strived to 
created a wholesome and inclusive society for all people. They have 
worked to enable individuals to contribute to the betterment of 
humanity by practicing acceptance and harmony.

[[Page E1073]]

I would like to extend my recognition and appreciation to the Baha'i 
people of Cincinnati for their contribution to society. My hope is that 
the adoption of the House Resolution 109, will increase awareness of 
ongoing major human rights abuses in Iran.

                          ____________________