Bill > HR5808

This bill requires the U.S. Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to systematic religious freedom violations, and mandate sanctions against Nigerian officials and entities involved in enforcing or tolerating religious persecution. Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a report within 90 days, and annually thereafter, identifying Nigerian federal and state officials who have promoted blasphemy laws, tolerated religious violence, or enforced such laws through prosecutions or imprisonments. The bill also designates Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa as Entities of Particular Concern (EPC), with provisions for the Secretary to waive these designations under certain conditions, such as the entities no longer operating in Nigeria or state governments ceasing enforcement of blasphemy laws. The bill defines blasphemy laws as provisions in Nigeria's criminal or Shari'a codes that criminalize expressions or beliefs perceived as insulting to religion, and mandates sanctions under existing executive orders targeting human rights abusers. Additionally, the bill includes a technical correction to the International Religious Freedom Act, clarifying language about religious freedom.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5808/all-info