Yeltsin Blocks Limits on Religious Liberty: U.S. Report Details Global Persecution

Carter, Tom, The Washington Times (Washington, DC)

Russian President Boris Yeltsin yesterday rejected a bill that would have placed tight restrictions on many religious groups, even as the State Department demanded that he do so in a report on the persecution of Christians around the world.

The State Department report also strongly criticized China for its treatment of unauthorized religious groups and noted religious abuses in numerous other countries, notably Sudan.

The Russian bill had drawn strong opposition from the Vatican and the U.S. Senate, which threatened to cut off aid to Russia if the bill became law. Mr. Yeltsin's action sent the bill back to the parliament, which can overhaul it or let it lapse.

"This was a very difficult decision," Mr. Yeltsin said in a statement, noting that the measure was supported by a large majority of Russian lawmakers and the Russian Orthodox …

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Publication information: Article title: Yeltsin Blocks Limits on Religious Liberty: U.S. Report Details Global Persecution. Contributors: Carter, Tom - Author. Newspaper title: The Washington Times (Washington, DC). Publication date: July 23, 1997. Page number: 1. © 2009 The Washington Times LLC. COPYRIGHT 1997 Gale Group.

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