California Congressman Tom McClintock Urges Protection of Religious Minorities in India
Sikhs Sought “Religious Tolerance and Liberty” in U.S., says Rep. on Co-Sponsoring H. Res. 417
ROSEVILLE: April 7, 2014 – Two weeks ago, Congressman Tom McClintock (R-Roseville) became the first Republican from California to back a resolution insisting the U.S. dialogue with India about human rights and religious freedom issues.
“The tradition of peace, tolerance and goodwill stand as a testament to the values embodied in the Sikh religion,” remarked Congressman McClintock after joining as a co-sponsor to House Resolution 417, which highlights the plight of Sikhs and other minorities of India as it suggests formal talks with India include discussion of human rights abuses. McClintock continued: “The story of Sikhs in America is the story of a small group of families who long ago crossed a great ocean in search of religious tolerance and liberty. It is the same as the story of the pilgrims who crossed the Atlantic in 1620 seeking a future in a free land. I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution which praises both religious diversity and urges the protection of religious minorities.”
Three more Republican representatives swiftly followed his lead in supporting the resolution, which acknowledges several genocides against Christian, Muslim, and Sikh inhabitants of India and calls for a conversation with India about how to better provide protection and justice. Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia joined on March 28, while Reps. Louie Gohmert and Blake Farenthold, both from Texas, joined in the first week of April. To receive a hearing, H. Res. 417, which was referred to both the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee, will need support from statesmen like Gohmert and Farenthold, who are both Judiciary Committee members.
McClintock is the second congressional representative from California to stand for religious liberty in India; Tony Cárdenas, a Democrat from the San Fernando Valley, joined the resolution in early December.
Commenting with gratitude for McClintock’s co-sponsorship of the resolution, Bhajan Singh, Founding Director of Organization for Minorities of India, said, “Support from Congressman McClintock is a breath of fresh life into House Resolution 417 and energizes us to press on harder for victory. The congressman is a true statesman who has always demonstrated compassion for the oppressed peoples in India, has a big heart for the Sikhs, and inspires renewed belief in the values of the American political system. He is a real constitutionalist who treasures protection of free speech, religious liberty, and the right to live without fear of tyranny. We are proud to celebrate his support of the golden opportunity this resolution provides to dialogue with India about issues that really matter — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
With 22 Democrats and 24 Republicans as co-sponsors, House Resolution 417 has solid bi-partisan support. It has been endorsed by Christian, Muslim, and Sikh communities throughout the United States.