Turkey held to account in US Congress for violations of religious freedom

Legislation to hold Turkey accountable for violating the religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Greek Orthodox Christians, and other religious minorities, was introduced in the US Congress on Friday, Ahval reports.

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), co-founder and co-chair of Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, and Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, introduced the bipartisan Turkey and Ecumenical Patriarchate Religious Freedom Act of 2021.

“The United States must remain consistent in enforcing the expectation of shared democratic values from our so-called allies, including the demonstration of a consistent respect for religious freedom,” said Congressman Bilirakis.

“I will continue to join my colleagues and speak out for those whose voices are silenced until the day in which this injustice is rectified,” he added.

“Turkey perpetually suppresses the religious freedom and human rights of its minority populations with impunity. The Turkey and Ecumenical Patriarchate Religious Freedom Act of 2021 is important bipartisan legislation that will hold Turkey accountable for its intolerance and abysmal religious freedom record,” said American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Supreme President George Horiates.