President Barack Obama has signed the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, which strengthens the United States’ effort to combat persecution of religious minorities around the world as part of the country’s foreign policy.
The bill, HR 1150, is named after a recently retired Congressman who is a fervent advocate for persecuted Christians and other religious minorities around the world.
Wolf, who represented Virginia’s 10th Congressional district since 1981 and is a devout Presbyterian, retired last year.
According to certified sources, the bill updates the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, signed by then President Bill Clinton to establish within the U.S. Department of State an office designed specifically to address religious freedom concerns around the world.
The upgraded legislation includes provisions aimed at strengthening key positions within the federal government to make religious freedom a top priority.
The bill also more accurately categorizes degrees and types of religious persecution.
It has been backed by Catholic, Jewish, Muslim leaders, Republicans and Democrats.
aaron@ugchristiannews.com
