RUSSIAâS RELIGION LAW: ASSESSMENTS AND IMPLICATIONS (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised April 29, 1999 |
| Report Number |
97-696 |
| Authors |
Jim Nichol, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
This short report provides an overview and assessment of the Russian religion law. On
September
26, 1997, Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the religion bill into law, and religious groups are
endeavoring to register by the December 31, 1999 deadline. The Administration and Congress have
urged Russia to uphold its international commitments to religious freedom. Omnibus
Appropriations for FY1999 ( P.L. 105-277 ; including foreign operations appropriations)
prohibits Freedom Support Act aid to Russia unless the President determines and certifies that the
Russian government has not practiced religious discrimination in violation of its international
commitments. On April 15, 1999, the President determined that the Russian government had not
discriminated, but stated that the issue requires close monitoring. This report may be updated.
