§6441 Presidential Actions in Response to Violations of Religious Freedom

Summary

The President must oppose foreign governments that commit or tolerate violations of religious freedom and must try to promote religious freedom in those countries. Actions must be based on the latest human rights reports, other evidence, and the Commission’s findings. The President should act quickly and consult with the Secretary of State, the Ambassador at Large, the Special Adviser, and the Commission. He can use one or more of the specific measures already listed in law or negotiate a binding agreement with the foreign government. By September 1 each year, the President must take action for any country that violated religious freedom since the previous September 1. Stronger actions need extra required steps and are not limited by the September 1 deadline; the President may delay those stronger actions once for up to 90 days if he tells Congress why. The President must match the response to how serious the abuses are, try to target the government agencies or officials responsible, try to reach binding agreements when possible, and avoid harming the country’s people or humanitarian groups.