Washington D.C., Jun 13, 2013 / 16:32 pm
Speaking before a congressional subcommittee, religious liberty experts warned that a U.S. law passed 15 years ago to promote international religious freedom needs stronger enforcement.
"This hearing is important because religious freedom is important: it is a pivotal human right that is both central to U.S. History and heritage and affirmed by international treaties and obligations," said Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett.
"This hearing also is both important and timely given that religious freedom also is a practical necessity crucial to both the security of the U.S. and the world."
Lantos Swett, who chairs the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom – an independent, bipartisan group that advises the government on global religious liberty matters – testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security on June 13.