McGovern, Hultgren, Leahy, Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Resolutions Urging China To Respect Tibetan Human Rights And Religious Freedom

McGovern Resolution Calls For “Tibetan Rights Day” on Key Anniversary

Washington, February 16, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Randy Hultgren (R-IL) introduced a bipartisan resolution yesterday that notes the upcoming 59th anniversary of Tibet’s 1959 uprising against Chinese rule – March 10, 2018 – and expresses support for a “Tibetan Rights Day.” The resolution focuses on one of the most important issues for the future of Tibet: the right of Tibetan Buddhists to determine their own leadership, including a future 15th Dalai Lama, free of outside interference from the Chinese Government.

U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate.

“America has a responsibility to stand up for human rights at home and abroad,” McGovern said. “This bipartisan resolution sends a strong message that Congress is committed to protecting the human rights and religious freedom of the Tibetan people and will continue to condemn any and all actions by the Chinese government to restrict these rights.

“This resolution sends a strong message that Congress on a bipartisan front is united in our commitment to protect and defend religious freedom and human rights here and around the world,” Hultgren said. “We support the people of Tibet and the Tibetan faith community in their aspiration to protect their religious and cultural identity.”

“We stand by the Tibetan people, who have long been our unwavering friends,” Leahy said. “We also stand by the rights of Tibetan Buddhists, not just in Tibet but around the world, who should be able to determine their own religious leadership in accordance with their inalienable right to religious freedom.”

###