Condemning the Government of Iran’s state-sponsored persecution of the Baha’i minority in Iran and the continued violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Summary
House Resolution 925 condemns the Iranian government's persecution of the Baha'i minority and its violation of human rights. The resolution references past congressional declarations, UN resolutions, and reports from human rights organizations detailing the abuses. It calls for Iran to release imprisoned Baha'is, end hate propaganda, and reverse discriminatory policies.
Expected Effects
If passed, the resolution would formally express the House of Representatives' condemnation of Iran's actions. It would also urge the President and Secretary of State to condemn Iran's human rights violations and impose sanctions on responsible officials.
Potential Benefits
- Reinforces the U.S. commitment to international human rights.
- Provides moral support to the Baha'i community in Iran.
- Potentially pressures Iran to improve its human rights record through sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
- Aligns U.S. foreign policy with its values of religious freedom and human rights.
- Strengthens international norms against religious persecution.
Potential Disadvantages
- May further strain relations between the U.S. and Iran.
- Sanctions could have unintended economic consequences for the Iranian people.
- The resolution itself has no legally binding effect.
- Iran may ignore the resolution, rendering it ineffective.
- Focusing on one issue may detract from addressing other human rights concerns in Iran.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom, as it condemns religious persecution. It also aligns with the principle of promoting general welfare by advocating for human rights abroad, as stated in the preamble. Congress's power to enact sanctions and conduct foreign policy supports the resolution's call for presidential action.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).