Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws.

On behalf of 61 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter in support of H.R. 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015; and on behalf of 64 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter in support of S. 2878, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act; made contacts in support of a swift markup of either H.R. 1150 or S. 2878 in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and in support of Senate passage. We believe H.R. 1150/S. 2878 strengthens IRFA at a critical time when assaults on religious freedom around the world are systemic and growing. In fact, the current state of international religious freedom is one of deepening crisis-according to the Pew Research Centers latest annual study on global restrictions on religion, 74% of the worlds population live in countries with a high or very high overall level of restriction on religion in 2014, up from 68% in 2007. The Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act would: Give the Administration and the State Department new political tools, strengthen the standing of the International Religious Freedom Office and the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom by making clear that the Ambassador reports directly to the Secretary of State. Clarify the Ambassador-at-Larges role in distributing project grants to protect religious freedom globally. Create a Special Watch List and automatic downgrade to a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for states on the list for three straight years. Clarify that CPC designations will occur annually. Require designation of non-state actors as Entities of Particular Concern. Direct the President to focus sanctions on individuals who carry out or order religious restrictions. Set a floor at 25 full-time employees in the International Religious Freedom Office. Require curriculum for training all Foreign Service Officers in the strategic value of international religious freedom. Prioritize IRF programming for groups that seek to strengthen investigations, reporting, and monitoring of religious freedom violations, including genocide. H.R. 1150 passed out of the House by voice vote on May 16. The passage and implementation of H.R. 1150/S. 2878 will result in a strengthened IRFA, as well the integration of this foundational human right into U.S. foreign policy and national security strategies. In so doing, the United States will send a clear and urgent message regarding the inherent dignity of every human being, while advancing global security in the fight against persecution, religious extremism and terrorism. This legislation is consistent with the best of our values, and has the added benefit of practically protecting our national interests as well. On behalf of 42 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of the appointment of a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region directly reporting to Assistant Secretary of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield in order to address the multi-faceted reality of Boko Haram, Fulani militants, security and humanitarian aid. The situation in northeastern and central Nigeria and the Lake Chad region as a whole is rapidly deteriorating. There is a growing security and humanitarian crisis threatening to fracture and destabilize Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, and now expanding to the whole Lake Chad Region. This crisis cannot be left unaddressed. Thousands are suffering as victims of violent extremism. Whole villages have been burned to the ground with families forced to live in caves to elude terrorists. There are 2.2 million official Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). However, since many IDPs live outside of formal camp structures, the actual number is thought to be closer to 5-7 million. This is a staggering number of people forced out of their communities, deprived of their livelihoods, separated from education opportunities, and left without access to proper healthcare and psycho-social care. We believe the complexity of addressing these real and multi-faceted humanitarian exigencies alone warrants a Special Envoy. The emerging security threat in the Nigerian Middle Belt further augments the critical urgency to appoint a Special Envoy. Since 2014, Fulani militants have been escalating their engagements across the Middle Belt and are now launching attacks in the south of the country. In the past 16 months there have been 55 separate Fulani militant attacks in 14 different states resulting in over 1,000 deaths. Many of these involved sustained offensives, sophisticated weaponry, and targeted religious and ethnic minority communities under the banner of creating grazing territory. Should Nigeria further fracture it would constitute one of the greatest security threats in West Africa. A Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region directly reporting to Assistant Secretary of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield could relate to Boko Haram, Fulani militants, security and humanitarian aid. It is our firm belief that the United States has a vested interest in confronting one of the worst humanitarian crisis of our day and working to prevent the further unraveling of Nigeria, the country with both the largest Christian and largest Muslim population in Africa. On behalf of 31 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of House Resolution 290, a bi-partisan measure that promotes the rights to freedom of religion, belief and expression by calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws. We all agree that blasphemy laws are antithetical to modern, prosperous societies, and must be abolished worldwide. Blasphemy laws are used to silence internal critics and alternative interpretations of the faith of the majority religious community, causing minority religious groups and the non-religious to suffer terribly. In an era when fundamentalist religious belief is leading to terror attacks and armed struggles throughout the world, it is more important than ever that we protect freedom of religion and belief. Blasphemy laws do precisely the opposite. H. Res 290 recognizes that many countries have blasphemy laws that punish expression deemed blasphemous and that blasphemy laws are inconsistent with international human rights standards, as they protect beliefs over individuals and often result in violations of the freedoms of religion and expression. The resolution also: Calls upon the President and State Department to make the repeal of blasphemy laws a priority in its bilateral relationships with all countries that have such laws through direct interventions in capitals and multilateral fora; Encourages the President and State Department to oppose any efforts at the United Nations or other international or multilateral fora to create an international anti-blasphemy norm, or to expand the international norm on incitement to include blasphemy or defamation of religions; Urges the President and State Department to designate Pakistan and Egypt each as a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act for perpetrating and tolerating particularly severe violations of religious freedom; and Urges the governments of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other countries to amend or repeal their blasphemy laws, to release unconditionally persons imprisoned on charges of blasphemy and, once released, ensure their safety and that of their families. Blasphemy laws and similar restrictions on speech regarding religion exist in at least 44 countries, according to the Pew Research Center. Pew has also found that countries with laws against blasphemy, and apostasy were more likely to have high government restrictions on religion, as well as social hostilities based on religion, than countries that do not have such laws. The United States government is in a unique position to promote the rights to freedom of religion, belief, and expression around the world. This country was founded on respect for the principles of religious freedom and tolerance for difference of opinion, and as a leader in the global community we have a moral duty to advance these principles around the world. Congress in particular can play a significant role in promoting freedom of religion, belief, and expression around the world by passing H. Res 290, which would bring more attention to the troubling use of blasphemy laws and related measures, place deserved attention on worst offenders, and press the administration to make their repeal a more central focus of their foreign policy. On behalf of 28 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of inclusion of an amendment in the FY17 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill that would permit more robust U.S. support of International Criminal Court cases, including those involving religious persecution. The United States has long been a champion of accountability and justice for perpetrators of atrocity crimes, including in Nazi Germany, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Cambodia. The passage of this amendment will further solidify American leadership on the rule of law and human rights, and, of particular interest to us, will allow the U.S. to promote accountability and justice in conflict situations involving religious freedom abuses. The International Criminal Court (ICC or Court) is the worlds only permanent international tribunal mandated to investigate and prosecute atrocity crimes. The ICCs governing statute specifically includes religious persecution as a punishable offense within the three core atrocity crimes that the Court prosecutes - genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes - and religiously motivated crimes are implicated in six of the nine country situations currently before the Court. In light of the ICCs mandate to prosecute perpetrators of religious persecution, and as a result of the recognition that the Court serves to protect core religious values, including justice, bearing witness, redress, protecting the vulnerable, and helping to lay the foundation for durable peace, many faith-based organizations from diverse cultural, social, and political backgrounds support the work and mission of the ICC. Moreover, the U.S. has been broadly supportive of all of the ICCs cases, as they are consistent with U.S. national interests. For instance, the State Departments Rewards for Justice Program was created in 1984 and has been used for over 30 years to help apprehend and prosecute international criminals. In 2013, Congress passed a bipartisan expansion of this program to allow for the payment of up to $5 million to individuals who provide information that leads to the capture of ICC fugitives. Yet, an outdated provision of U.S. law hampers Americas ability to provide the full array of professional, logistical, and other resources to ICC cases. Presently, the U.S. can only provide limited, in-kind support to the ICC on a case-by-case basis. This results in the U.S. being unable to provide the ICC with the resources needed to bring to justice perpetrators of atrocities, including the most egregious abuses of international religious freedom. Essentially, this means that the hands of the U.S. government are tied when it comes to assisting in crucial efforts to prosecute atrocity crimes, including religious persecution. The language we are supporting, a proposed Atrocity Accountability Amendment (Amendment), would make a moderate, limited, and narrowly-tailored change to U.S. law that would allow the U.S. to provide to the ICC the same type of critical support that it provided to the Rwanda, former Yugoslavia, and other international tribunals. This change would ensure that Americas options in the fight against atrocities are not artificially restricted and would give the U.S. more tools in its toolbox to counter impunity, promote accountability, and contribute to justice and peacebuilding efforts. This change could, for instance, mean that the U.S. could offer finances for additional investigators, witness protection assistance, sophisticated law enforcement technologies, and expert scientists and other professionals to the ICCs current investigation of Boko Harams atrocities in Nigeria, religious persecution in the Central African Republic, and Joseph Kony and the Lords Resistance Army in Uganda and other areas - all cases which the United States has a principled and strategic interest in supporting, especially where national security concerns are implicated. The limitation existing under current law should be of serious concern to the United States because, in many cases, the ICC is the only mechanism available to hold individuals accountable for their commission of religiously-motivated atrocities. Indeed, in its 2015 and 2016 Annual Reports, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended that the U.S. push for a UN Security Council Resolution that refers atrocities committed by the so-called Islamic State to the ICC. In recent congressional testimony before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, the then-chair of USCIRF specifically recommended the change to U.S. law that the Amendment would make. Earlier this year, the House unanimously passed a resolution declaring the atrocities being committed against religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria to be genocide and crimes against humanity, and calling for prosecution of these crimes. Passing the Amendment is one of the most concrete and readily available ways in which the House can promote the accountability sought in its resolution, as the change it makes would allow the U.S. to more meaningfully support efforts to bring Islamic State perpetrators of atrocities to justice through the ICC. These efforts would apply not only to Iraq and Syria, but also to Islamic State atrocities in Libya, where the ICC currently has jurisdiction. On behalf of 93 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to express our deep concern about Federal Laws â„- 374-ФÐ-- and 375-ФÐ--, On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation to establish additional measures to counter terrorism and ensure public safety (the Federal Anti-Terrorism Law); and urge U.S. government leaders to engage the Russian government and urge its leaders to ensure the Federal Anti-Terrorism Law is not used against peaceful spiritual groups. The Federal Anti-Terrorism Law further restricts religious freedom. We are particularly concerned about the amendments that introduce an entire new section to the Religion Law, imposing strict limits on sharing beliefs, including where and who may share them, and increase extremism punishments. We are aware of the fact that Russia has to be vigilant in order to prevent extremism, violence and terrorism. But you must fully consider and understand the impact of these amendments on social cohesion and national security. The need to counter violent extremism is pressing, but cracking down on religious freedom is a dangerous and counterproductive response. This conclusion is increasingly bolstered by empirical research. An exhaustive study by academics from Harvard, Notre Dame and Georgetown found that religious communities are most likely to support democracy, peace and freedom for other faiths, and least likely to take up the gun or form dictatorships, when governments allow them freedom to worship, practice and express their faiths freely and when religious communities in turn renounce their claims to permanent offices or positions of policy-making authority. Dr. Brian Grim, a noted expert on society, the economy and religion, has found a strong correlation between government restrictions on religion and religiously-motivated violence. Further, the Federal Anti-Terrorism Law poses threats to the fundamental human rights and freedoms that are guaranteed by Russias Constitution and its international human rights obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) human dimension commitments, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. When evaluated within these legal frameworks, the Federal Anti-Terrorism Law raises a number of serious problems. It restricts the dissemination of beliefs in public to registered groups and organizations, and bars even informal sharing of beliefs by individuals acting on their own behalf. Perhaps most concerning, it restricts the beliefs that can be shared, limits the places where sharing beliefs can happen and explicitly bans sharing beliefs in residential buildings, "except as provided for by Article 16, Part 2 of [the Religion Law]." Article 16, Part 2, states that worship services and other religious rites and ceremonies may be freely held in residential premises, as well as in premises owned or rented by religious organizations. It is therefore unclear what this part of the amendment will mean in practice. On behalf of 28 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to express our continuing deep concern about rising restrictions on religion in the Republic of Kazakhstan; and urge U.S. government leaders to engage Kazakh President Nazarbayev and leaders of his government regarding the 2011 Religion Law and related amendments to the Criminal Code and Administrative Code, and urge them to amend the 2011 Religion Law and related articles in these Codes in order to bring them into conformity with international human rights standards, Kazakhstans international commitments, and its own Constitution. Related to this, shared the Kazakhstan report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, which recommends reforms to the 2011 Religion Law. The brief summary of this formal report on his mission to Kazakhstan stated: While acknowledging a general appreciation of religious diversity in the country, he noticed adverse attitudes towards some non-traditional religious communities. The State monitors religious activities strictly, with a view to preventing extremism and to combating sects deemed destructive to peoples well-being. Many of the measures adopted for this purpose are not in line with international standards of freedom of religion or belief. Moreover, the mandatory registration of religious communities, in conjunction with tightly knit stipulations, largely hampers free religious practice, which takes place in an atmosphere of legal insecurity. Further, the Special Rapporteurs conclusions include: 66. the 2011 Law on Religious Activity and Religious Associations shows restrictive features that are not in line with international standards of freedom of religion or belief. The most obvious problem concerns the mandatory status of official registration. Failure to obtain this status means that a religious community is deemed illegal, which has far-reaching negative repercussions on the enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief. Moreover, even those communities which are registered suffer to some extent from legal insecurity, inter alia due to the official confinement of permitted religious activities to certain predefined issues and territorial boundaries. In general, the 2011 Law is based on the assumption that the exercise of core aspects of freedom of religion depends on specific acts of Government approval - thereby turning the relationship between freedom and limitations, as generally understood in the framework of human rights, upside down. 67. While Kazakhstan has broadly embraced religious pluralism, members of non-traditional small religious communities, frequently branded as sects, continue to experience suspicion, mistrust and discrimination in society. Moreover, some provisions of the Criminal Code and of the Code on Administrative Offences - both the existing and the new Codes - which are aimed at combating religious hatred or religious extremism - are defined only vaguely, thus creating a climate of legal insecurity, which is further exacerbated by shortcomings in the handling of criminal procedures, long pretrial detention and related problems. Similar problems are associated with the 2005 Law on Countering Extremism. Finally, the Special Rapporteurs recommendations include: (a) The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government consider amending the relevant provisions of the Constitution to bring them into line with article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (b) The Government should bring its constitutional provisions pertinent to freedom of religion or belief fully into line with article 18 of the Covenant and other relevant international human rights standards. (d) Above all, the Special Rapporteur would like to recommend far-reaching reforms of the 2011 Law on Religious Activity and Religious Associations based on an understanding that registration should be in the service of freedom of religion or belief which, due to its status as a universal human right, inheres in all human beings, prior to - and independent of - any specific acts of administrative approval. The most important consequence would be that registration should be an offer, not a mandatory requirement, for religious community practice. Non-registered communities must be able to operate free from discrimination and free from fear of intimidation. Also shared a recent UN Human Rights Committee decision against Kazakhstan. In the Consideration of the merits section of this decision against Kazakhstan are the following three points: 10.The Human Rights Committee, acting under article 5, paragraph 4, of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is of the view that the facts before it discloses a violation by the State party of the authors rights under article 18 of the Covenant. 11.In accordance with article 2, paragraph 3 (a), of the Covenant, the State party is under an obligation to provide the author with an effective remedy, including review of his conviction and review of the cancellation of his residence permit. The State party is also under an obligation to prevent similar violations in the future. 12.Bearing in mind that, by becoming a party to the Optional Protocol, the State party has recognized the competence of the Committee to determine whether or not there has been a violation of the Covenant and that, pursuant to article 2 of the Covenant, the State party has undertaken to ensure to all individuals within its territory or subject to its jurisdiction the rights recognized in the Covenant and to provide an effective and enforceable remedy when a violation has been established, the Committee wishes to receive from the State party, within 180 days, information about the measures taken to give effect to the Committees Views. The State party is also requested to publish the present Views, to have them translated into the official languages of the State party, and to have them widely disseminated. Finally, shared an International Religious Freedom Roundtable submission to the UN Human Rights Committee. Provided this submission to the UN Human Rights Committee in connection with its consideration of the second periodic report of Kazakhstan regarding its compliance with the ICCPR on 22 and 23 June 2016. It lays out our concerns related to Kazakhstan and Article 18 - freedom of religion-and our recommendations. The purpose of this submission was to summarize to date the IRF Roundtable engagement with the Kazakh government and interactions with the UN Special Rapporteur regarding religious freedom in Kazakhstan in light of the deteriorating situation, hopeful that a meaningful dialogue might be renewed-one that does not demonize the government or civil society. We believe this dialogue can be helpful in maintaining stability and peace in Kazakhstan while bringing the Religion Law and related articles of the Criminal and Administrative Codes closer to compliance with UN international standards articulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, White House Office

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290 Encouraging support for protecting human rights in Bangladesh, H.Res. 396

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290 Encouraging support for protecting human rights in Bangladesh, H.Res. 396

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290 Encouraging support for protecting human rights in Bangladesh, H.Res. 396

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H. Res. 290 - Legislation calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws - ACT for America supports this legislation. H.R. 4344 - Ending Iran's Nuclear Weapon Program Before Sanctions Relief Act of 2015 - ACT for America supports this legislation. S. 2429 - Ending Iran's Nuclear Weapon Program Before Sanctions Relief Act of 2015 - ACT for America supports this legislation. H.R. 4522 - The PLO Accountability Act - ACT for America supports this legislation. S. 2537 - The PLO Accountability Act - ACT for America supports this legislation. H.R. 4678 - The United States Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Preservation Act - ACT for America supports this legislation.

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Legislation: SRes104, Operation Streamline-Issue Lobbied: Border Prosecutions. S50, Abortion Non-Discrimination Act-Issue Lobbied: Reproductive Rights. S247, Expatriate Terrorists Act-Issue Lobbied: National Security. S255, Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act-Issue Lobbied: Civil Asset Forfeiture. S356, ECPA Amendments Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. S439, Student Non-Discrimination Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: LGBT Rights. S467, Corrections Act-Issue Lobbied: Detainers. S524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Drug Policy Reform. S877, Police CAMERA Act-Issue Lobbied: Body Worn Cameras. S1056, End Racial Profiling Act-Issue Lobbied: Civil Rights, Criminal Justice, Racial Justice, Police Practices. S1169, The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act-Issue Lobbied: Civil Rights, Criminal Justice, Racial Justice, Juvenile Justice. S1177, Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: ESEA reauthorization; Education; School discipline; School climate, LGBT Rights. S1382, Every Child Deserves a Family Act-Issue Lobbied: LGBT Rights. S1512, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act-Issue Lobbied: Womens Rights. S1513, Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Re-Entry Reform. S1553, Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act-Issue Lobbied: Reproductive Rights- abortion restriction. S1590, Pregnancy Discrimination Amendment Act-Issue Lobbied: Women's Rights. S1598, First Amendment Defense Act-Issue Lobbied: LGBT Rights. S1659, Voting Rights Advancement Act-Issue Lobbied: Voting Rights. S1695, Womens Health Protection Act-Issue Lobbied: Reproductive Rights- abortion access. S1770, Youth PROMISE Act-Issue Lobbied: Civil Rights, Criminal Justice, Racial Justice, Juvenile Justice. S1808, Northern Border Security Review Act-Issue Lobbied: Border Security. S1858, Equality Act-Issue Lobbied: LGBT Rights, Womens Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Racial Justice. S1864, Department of Homeland Security Border Security Metrics Act-Issue Lobbied: Border Security. S1945, Mental Health Reform Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Disability Rights, Access to Justice, Privacy Rights. S2123, Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act-Issue Lobbied: Sentencing Reform, Re-Entry. S2168, Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act-Issue Lobbied: Law Enforcement Reform. S2171, The SOAR Reauthorization Act-Issue Lobbied: Religious Liberty/Religion and Public Schools. S2200, Workplace Advancement Act-Issue Lobbied: Womens rights. S2298, Mens Rea Reform Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Sentencing Reform. S2337, Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. S2340, MEGABYTE Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Free Speech. S2362, Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Discrimination based on nationality, national origin; National security; Visa waivers. S2369, Community Partnership Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Racial Profiling, Countering Violent Extremism, National Security. S2390, FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act-Issue Lobbied: Whistleblowers, Free Expression. S2418, Countering Online Recruitment of Violent Extremists Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Free Speech, Racial Profiling. S2449, Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Discrimination based on nationality, national origin; National security; Visa waivers. S2506, Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests-Issue Lobbied: Arbitration/Womens rights. S2531, Combating BDS Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Free Speech. S2540, Fair Day in Court for Kids Act-Issue Lobbied: Counsel. S2576, Support Our Brave Law Enforcement Act-Issue Lobbied: Civil Asset Forfeiture. S2577, Justice for All Act-Issue Lobbied: Criminal Justice. S2658, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. S2680, Mental Health Reform Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Religious Liberty, LGBT Rights, Reproductive Freedom. HRes290, Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws-Issue Lobbied: Free Expression. HR5, Student Success Act-Issue Lobbied: Religious Liberty, Religion and Public Schools. HR10, The SOAR Reauthorization Act-Issue Lobbied: Religious Liberty / Religion and Public Schools. HR36, Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act-Issue Lobbied: Reproductive Rights- abortion restriction. HR158, Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Discrimination based on nationality, national origin; National security; Visa waivers. HR491, Geolocation Privacy Act-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. HR540, FAIR Act-Issue Lobbied: Civil Asset Forfeiture. HR699, Email Privacy Act-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. HR759, Recidivism Risk Reduction Act-Issue Lobbied: Criminal Justice. HR846, Student Non-Discrimination Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: LGBT Rights. HR1232, Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act-Issue Lobbied: Law Enforcement Militarization. HR1680, Police CAMERA Act-Issue Lobbied: Body Worn Cameras. HR1933, End Racial Profiling Act-Issue Lobbied: Civil Rights, Criminal Justice, Racial Justice, Police Practices. HR2029, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016-Issue Lobbied: Discrimination based on nationality, national origin; National security; Visa waivers; Cybersecurity. HR2197, Youth PROMISE Act-Issue Lobbied: Civil Rights, Criminal Justice, Racial Justice, Juvenile Justice. HR2449, Every Child Deserves a Family Act-Issue Lobbied: LGBT Rights. HR2646, Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act-Issue Lobbied: Disability Rights, Access to Justice, Privacy Rights, LGBT Rights. HR2654, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act-Issue Lobbied: Women's Rights. HR2800, Pregnancy Discrimination Amendment Act-Issue Lobbied: Women's Rights. HR2802, First Amendment Defense Act-Issue Lobbied: LGBT Rights. HR2867, Voting Rights Advancement Act-Issue Lobbied: Voting Rights. HR2875, Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act-Issue Lobbied: Law Enforcement Reform. HR2899, Countering Violent Extremism Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Racial Profiling, Countering Violent Extremism, National Security. HR2972, Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Woman Act-Issue Lobbied: Reproductive Rights- abortion coverage restrictions. HR3185, Equality Act-Issue Lobbied: LGBT Rights, Womens Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Racial Justice. HR3406, Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Re-Entry Reform. HR3504, Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act-Issue Lobbied: Reproductive Rights- abortion restrictions. HR3516, Social Security Beneficiary 2nd Amendment Rights Protection Act-Issue Lobbied: Disability Rights. HR3576, Border Enforcement Accountability, Oversight and Community Engagement Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: CBP oversight and accountability. HR3586, Border and Maritime Coordination Improvement Act-Issue Lobbied: Border security. HR3654, Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Privacy, First Amendment. HR3713, Sentencing Reform Act-Issue Lobbied: Sentencing Reform. HR3841, Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Paid leave. HR4002, The Criminal Code Improvement Act-Issue Lobbied: Criminal Justice. HR4303, Border Security and Accountability Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Border security. HR4380, Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Discrimination based on nationality, national origin; National security; Visa waivers. HR4441, Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Drones. HR4514, Combating BDS Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Free Speech. HR4532, Safe Harbor for Reporting Violent Behavior Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Free Expression. HR4602, Justice for All Act-Issue Lobbied: Criminal Justice. HR4611, No More Money Bail Act-Issue Lobbied: Right to Counsel. HR4646, Fair Day in Court for Kids Act-Issue Lobbied: Counsel. HR4651, Digital Security Commission Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Privacy, Surveillance. HR4889, Kelsey Smith Act-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. Congressional Issues, No Bill Number: Select Panel on Infant Lives - Fetal Tissue Research-Issue Lobbied: Reproductive Rights, Abortion Access. Zubik v. Burwell-ACA contraception coverage-Issue Lobbied: Reproductive rights- contraception. DUE PROCESS Act-Issue Lobbied: Civil Asset Forfeiture. National Right to Counsel Act-Issue Lobbied: Right to Counsel. Compliance with Courts Orders Act of 2016-Issue Lobbied: Privacy, Surveillance. Healthy Families Act-Issue Lobbied: Womens Rights. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2015-Issue Lobbied: Juvenile Justice. Federal RFRA fix legislation-Issue Lobbied: Religious Liberty/Refusals. Inspector General Empowerment Act-Issue Lobbied: Subpoena Authority. FY 17 Appropriations-Issue Lobbied: Immigration, Juvenile Justice, Abortion, Hyde Amendment. FY17 National Defense Authorization Act-Issue Lobbied: National Security; Guantanamo Bay; Indefinite Detention; Military Commissions Act; Torture, Abortion ban. December 2014 Guidance for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding the Use of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, National Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity-Issue Lobbied: Racial Profiling, Civil Rights, Criminal Justice, Racial Justice, Police Practices, Countering Violent Extremism, National Security. Title I Portability in the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act-Issue Lobbied: Religious Liberty / Religion and Public Schools. Drone Reform-Issue Lobbied: National Security; Targeted Killing. Plan to Close Guantanamo-Issue Lobbied: National Security; Guantanamo; Indefinite Detention; Torture; Military Commissions Act. CBP oversight and excessive use of force-Issue Lobbied: Immigration. Deportation and detention practices-Issue Lobbied: Immigration. Interior and Border enforcement-Issue Lobbied: Immigration. Women in Combat-Issue Lobbied: Womens Rights. Pay equity/data collection-Issue Lobbied: Womens Rights. Nuisance ordinances-Issue Lobbied: Womens rights. Immigration enforcement, Central American families, Sensitive Locations-Issue Lobbied: Immigration. Syrian refugees; Discrimination based on nationality, national origin, religion; National security-Issue Lobbied: Immigration. DHS immigration enforcement: Secure Communities; Priority Enforcement Program (PEP); detainers; sanctuary cities-Issue Lobbied: Immigration. Family/Immigration detention, Treatment of refugee women and children/victims of violence-Issue Lobbied: Immigration. Unaccompanied children: Due process, Expedited removals, Access to counsel-Issue Lobbied: Immigration. Bond hearings, Prolonged detention-Issue Lobbied: Immigration. Voting rights-Issue Lobbied: Voting rights. Health care-Issue Lobbied: Religious refusals. Privacy Shield-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. Office of Legal Counsel transparency-Issue Lobbied: Government transparency. Late Term abortion-Issue Lobbied: Abortion rights. Material Witness-Issue Lobbied: National security, criminal justice. Housing discrimination-Issue Lobbied: Discrimination. Broadband privacy-Issue Lobbied: Broadband access. Flint water crisis-Issue Lobbied: Government transparency. Encryption-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. Academic freedom-Issue Lobbied: Free Expression. Forced arbitration-Issue Lobbied: Workplace rights. Access to counsel-Issue Lobbied: Criminal justice. Anti-trafficking legislation-Issue Lobbied: Religious refusals. Countering Violent Extremism-Issue Lobbied: Racial Profiling, National Security. Refugee restrictions and visa waivers-Issue Lobbied: National origin discrimination, immigration, privacy, social media. Lifeline expansion-Issue Lobbied: Broadband access. Border and Privacy Issues-Issue Lobbied: Immigration, Privacy. Political Speech and C3 institutions-Issue Lobbied: First Amendment. Sentencing Reform-Issue Lobbied: Criminal justice reform. Bail Reform-Issue Lobbied: Criminal justice reform. FOIA reform-Issue Lobbied: Government transparency. Cybersecurity-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. ECPA reform-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. Social Media Monitoring and Restrictions-Issue Lobbied: Privacy, Free expression. School vouchers/DC vouchers-Issue Lobbied: Religious freedom. FISA Section 702-Issue Lobbied: Surveillance. Marijuana reform/New Jersey-Issue Lobbied: Criminal justice reform. Indefinite detention-Issue Lobbied: National security. Body-worn cameras-Issue Lobbied: Law enforcement reform. Telecommunications. Disability Rights. Agencies: Bureau of Justice Statistics-Issue Lobbied: Provision 115.42(g) of the National Standards to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Prison Rape & Tran-specific Pods/Units. Bureau of Prisons-Issue Lobbied: Sentencing Reform, Prison Reform, Solitary Confinement, Re-entry. Corporation for National and Community Service-Issue Lobbied: AmeriCorps Volunteer directions re: abortion counseling and referrals. Department of Agriculture-Issue Lobbied: Reforms to the Faith-Based Initiative and to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Amendment to Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs to Implement Executive Order 13559". Department of Defense-Issue Lobbied: EO 12333 and Section 702 surveillance; Proposed Rule, RIN 0720-AB65; Guantanamo Bay; Trans healthcare. Department of Education-Issue Lobbied: Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015; Immigration enforcement, Sensitive locations; Reforms to the Faith-Based Initiative and to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Amendment to Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs to Implement Executive Order 13559"; Juvenile Justice, Racial Justice. Department of Health and Human Services-Issue Lobbied: Preventing HHS from excluding quality womens health providers from essential public health programs; Access to contraception and abortion care in ORR; Interior and Border enforcement, Unaccompanied Minors, Immigration enforcement, Sensitive locations; 1557 Proposed Rule of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Reforms to the Faith-Based Initiative and to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Amendment to Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs to Implement Executive Order 13559". Department of Homeland Security-Issue Lobbied: Law Enforcement Reform; Interior and Border enforcement; Unaccompanied Minors; End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA); Countering Violent Extremism Act of 2015 / Community Partnership Act of 2015; December 2014 Guidance for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding the Use of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, National Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity; Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015; Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016; Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016; Central American families; Syrian refugees; DHS immigration enforcement (Secure Communities); Priority Enforcement Program; Family detention; Due process; Immigration enforcement, sensitive locations; 'Sanctuary' cities; Detainers; Raids; Discrimination based on nationality, national origin, religion; Bond hearings, Prolonged detention; Treatment of refugee women and children/ victims of violence; Reforms to the Faith-Based Initiative and to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Amendment to Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs to Implement Executive Order 13559"; 287g.. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Issue Lobbied: Fair Housing, AFFH; Reforms to the Faith-Based Initiative and to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Amendment to Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs to Implement Executive Order 13559"; Proposed Rule, RIN 2506-AC40 (Equal Access in Accordance with an Individuals Gender Identity in Community Planning and Development Programs). Department of Justice-Issue Lobbied: Sentencing Reform, Prison Reform, Solitary Confinement, Law Enforcement Reform, Re-entry Reform; DICRA data collection; Interior and Border enforcement, Unaccompanied Minors; EO 12333 and Section 702 surveillance, Location Tracking Devices, "Stingrays"; Gender biased policing; 2007 OLC Memo on RFRA; End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA); Countering Violent Extremism Act of 2015 / Community Partnership Act of 2015; December 2014 Guidance for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding the Use of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, National Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity; Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2016; Central American families; Due process/Access to counsel; Immigration enforcement; Family/immigration detention; Treatment of refugee women and children/victims of violence; Expedited removals; 1557 Proposed Rule of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Reforms to the Faith-Based Initiative and to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Amendment to Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs to Implement Executive Order 13559". Department of Labor-Issue Lobbied: Proposed rule re: nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; Proposed Rule re: establishing paid sick leave for federal contractors; Reforms to the Faith-Based Initiative and to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Amendment to Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs to Implement Executive Order 13559"; Proposed Rule, RIN 1205-AB59 (Apprenticeship Programs; Equal Employment Opportunity Regulations). Department of Veterans Affairs-Issue Lobbied: Reforms to the Faith-Based Initiative and to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Amendment to Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs to Implement Executive Order 13559". Director of National Intelligence-Issue Lobbied: EO 12333 and Section 702 surveillance; Transparency. EEOC-Issue Lobbied: Pay equity/data collection; Sex discrimination. Election Assistance Commission-Issue Lobbied: Voting restrictions. EOIR-Issue Lobbied: Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2016; Unaccompanied children; Due process; Expedited removals; Access to counsel. Executive Office of the President-Issue Lobbied: Immigration (temporary protected status, enforcement, raids); Data sharing; Torture accountability; Trans military service; Budget; Cross-border data flow; Drug laws; Visa Waiver Program; Flint water issue; ACA non-discrimination; Re-entry; UNGASS; FOIA reform; North Carolina anti-LGBT law; Encryption. Federal Aviation Administration-Issue Lobbied: Domestic Drones. Federal Bureau of Investigation-Issue Lobbied: Location Tracking Devices, Stingrays," encryption, government "back doors," Countering Violent Extremism. Federal Communications Commission-Issue Lobbied: Prison phone rates, Broadband privacy, Set-top box proposal, Lifeline expansion, Zero rating. Federal Trade Commission-Issue Lobbied: Privacy. Food and Drug Administration-Issue Lobbied: Abortion regulations. National Security Agency-Issue Lobbied: EO 12333 and Section 702 surveillance. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ACF)-Issue Lobbied: Access to contraception and abortion care in ORR. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board-Issue Lobbied: EO 12333 and Section 702 surveillance. Transportation Security Administration-Issue Lobbied: December 2014 Guidance for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding the Use of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, National Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services-Issue Lobbied: Family detention, Immigration detention, Treatment of refugee women and children/ victims of violence. U.S. Commission on Civil Rights-Issue Lobbied: Debtor prisons. U.S. Customs and Border Protection-Issue Lobbied: Border enforcement/ CBP oversight and excessive use of force; December 2014 Guidance for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding the Use of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, National Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity. U.S. Department of State-Issue Lobbied: Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Issue Lobbied: Deportation and detention practices, Central American families, Syrian refugees, DHS immigration enforcement (Secure Communities), Priority Enforcement Program, Family detention, Treatment of refugee women and children/victims of violence, Due process, Sensitive locations, 'Sanctuary' cities, Detainers; Discrimination based on nationality, national origin, religion. USAID-Issue Lobbied: Reforms to the Faith-Based Initiative and to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Amendment to Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs to Implement Executive Order 13559". U.S. Sentencing Commission-Issue Lobbied: Sentencing Reform, Compassionate Release, Illegal entry crimes. White House-Issue Lobbied: Zubik v. Burwell; Access to contraception and abortion care in ORR; Sentencing Reform, Private Prisons, Solitary Confinement, Drug Policy, Clemency, Re-entry reform; Law Enforcement Reform; FY17 National Defense Authorization Act; Drone Reform; Plan to Close Guantanamo, National Security; Indefinite Detention; Torture; Military Commissions Act; Targeted Killing; Interior and Border enforcement, Unaccompanied Minors; Gender biased policing; End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA); Countering Violent Extremism Act of 2015/Community Partnership Act of 2015; December 2014 Guidance for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding the Use of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, National Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity; Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015; Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016; Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016; Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2016; Central American families; Syrian refugees; DHS immigration enforcement (Secure Communities); Priority Enforcement Program; Family detention; Due process/Access to counsel; Expedited removals; Sensitive locations; 'Sanctuary' cities; Detainers; Discrimination based on nationality, national origin, religion; Treatment of refugee women and children/victims of violence; 2007 OLC Memo on RFRA; 1557 Proposed Rule of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290 Encouraging support for protecting human rights in Bangladesh, H.Res. 396

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290 Encouraging support for protecting human rights in Bangladesh, H.Res. 396

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 237 - The FTO Passport Revocation Act of 2015 - ACT for America supports this legislation. H. Res. 290 - Legislation calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws - ACT for America supports this legislation. H.R. 4344 - Ending Iran's Nuclear Weapon Program Before Sanctions Relief Act of 2015 - ACT for America supports this legislation. S. 2429 - Ending Iran's Nuclear Weapon Program Before Sanctions Relief Act of 2015 - ACT for America supports this legislation. H.R. 4522 - The PLO Accountability Act - ACT for America supports this legislation. S. 2537 - The PLO Accountability Act - ACT for America supports this legislation.

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290 Encouraging support for protecting human rights in Bangladesh, H.Res. 396

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290 Encouraging support for protecting human rights in Bangladesh, H.Res. 396

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 237 - The FTO Passport Revocation Act of 2015 - ACT for America supports this legislation. H. Res. 290 - Legislation calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws - ACT for America supports this legislation.

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

On July 13, we partnered with 22 religious and secularist organizations in writing each member of the House to support or co-sponsor H. Res. 290, which calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world. We supplemented these letters with direct lobbying on Capitol Hill. Meetings included Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Elliot Engel, Rep. Ed Royce, Rep. Ami Beri, Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Ed Markey, and Sen. Jeane Shaheen.

Client expense: $19,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, White House Office

On July 13, we partnered with 22 religious and secularist organizations in writing each member of the House to support or co-sponsor H. Res. 290, which calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world. We supplemented these letters with direct lobbying on Capitol Hill. Meetings included Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Elliot Engel, Rep. Ed Royce, Rep. Ami Beri, Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Ed Markey, and Sen. Jeane Shaheen.

Client expense: $19,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, White House Office

On behalf of 61 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H.R. 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015. We must work to create a context where people can live with their deepest differences. The recent turmoil in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine-including the alarming spike in incidents of violence and persecution of Christians, Muslim communities, and other religious minorities-offers the latest examples of what happens if we do not. The purpose of the bill is to update the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and improve the capacity of the U.S. government to advance religious freedom globally by giving the Administration and State Department new political tools to better counter violent extremism and sectarian violence, growing anti-Semitism and restriction on religious minorities (e.g., a tier system for IRF reports on countries of particular concern and a special watch list, annual actions on countries with severe IRF abuses, authority to sanction individuals responsible for committing severe violations of IRF or materially supporting terrorism or violent extremism, and the ability to designate non-state actors as part of the Country of Particular Concern list and a range of sanctions targeting individual members of such groups); expanding diplomatic training, counter-terrorism coordination, and foreign assistance efforts; and reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through 2021. With the passage and implementation of H.R. 1150, a strengthened IRFA and a stronger IRF policy-as integrated into U.S. foreign policy and national security-the United States will send a clear and urgent message regarding the inherent dignity of every human being, as well as our common global security in the fight against persecution and religious extremism, and terrorism. Doing so is consistent with the best of our values, practically protecting our interests as a result. On behalf of 112 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge support and the swift passage of S. 1798, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2015. We believe S. 1798 strengthens USCIRFs mandate and the tools at its disposal, while providing a much-needed six-year authorization at a critical time when assaults on religious freedom around the world are systemic and growing. In fact, the current state of international religious freedom is one of deepening crisis-according to the Pew Research Centers latest annual study on global restrictions on religion, 77% of the worlds population live in countries with a high or very high overall level of restriction on religion in 2013, up from 76% in 2012 and 68% in 2007. At the same time, made contacts against S. 1860, the Further Independence of Religion for Security and Tolerance Freedom Act of 2015. We believe S. 1798 is better suited to advance freedom of religion or belief. While S. 1860 includes significant refugee-related provisions that many of us support, some of these provisions are part of an ongoing debate which is unlikely to be resolved prior to the rapidly-approaching expiration of USCIRFs current authorization. As such, we believe consideration of such provisions should be delinked from the current reauthorization process. Additionally, many of the USCIRF-related provisions in S. 1860 are deeply concerning and could potentially undermine USCIRFs vital work. On behalf of 112 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge support and the swift passage of S. 2078, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2015. S. 2078 reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through FY2019. S. 2078 passed the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. On behalf of 34 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge support and the swift passage of H. Res. 290, which calls for the global repeal of blasphemy laws. These laws punish expression deemed blasphemous (contemptuous of God or sacred things), defamatory of religion, or insulting to religion or religious symbols, figures, or feelings. Not only do they threaten the individual right to the freedoms of religion and expression, they also violate international standards, including Article 18 of the International Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. These bans also inappropriately position governments as arbiters of truth or religious rightness as they empower officials to enforce particular religious views against individuals and minorities. H. Res. 290 calls on the President and the State Department to prioritize the repeal of blasphemy laws. On behalf of 28 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge the United States government to engage leaders of the Kazakhstan government and express deep concerns about the 2011 Law on Religious Activity and Religious Associations in light of the recent Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief on his Mission to Kazakhstan. Certain provisions of the 2011 Religion Law are inconsistent with both Kazakhstans Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Special Rapporteur made several substantive, reasonable and fair recommendations to bring the Constitution and Kazakh law fully into line with Article 18 of the ICCPR and other relevant international human rights standards. The U.S. government could urge the Kazakh government to make these changes to the law.

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290 Encouraging support for protecting human rights in Bangladesh, H.Res. 396

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290 Encouraging support for protecting human rights in Bangladesh, H.Res. 396

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 237 - The FTO Passport Revocation Act of 2015 - ACT for America supports this legislation. H. Res. 290 - Legislation calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws - ACT for America supports this legislation.

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

In the aftermath of the gruesome murders of secularist writers Avijit Roy and Washiqur Rahman, and the near-killing of Rafida Bonya Ahmed, by Islamic militants, the Center for Inquiry and Hindu American Foundation sent a letter on April 22 to Secretary of State John Kerry and International Religious Freedom Ambassador David Saperstein urging the State Department to use its influence to ensure the rights to freedom of religion, belief, and expression are protected in Bangladesh. Signatories to the letter, which were organized through the International Religious Freedom Roundtable, include individuals and organizations concerned about human rights, both religious and nonreligious. On May 26, we joined advocacy groups in writing a letter to the U.S. Department of State, calling on them to press for the release of a group of the most prominent Bahraini leaders arrested for peacefully protesting the Bahrainis government violation of its citizens human rights and religious freedoms. On June 9, the Center for Inquirys Office of Public Policy, along with the American Humanist Association, Secular Coalition for America, held briefings on Capitol Hill for congressional lawmakers and their staff regarding the state of international religious freedom. CFIs director of public policy, Michael De Dora, was among the speakers at these briefings. The briefing rooms were sponsored by Rep. Juan Vargas and Sen. Tim Kaine. On June 17, we issued an action alert in support of a resolution, H. Res 290, proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives that calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world. In addition, on June 26 we joined 15 secularist organizations in writing a letter to every member of the House, urging them to either co-sponsor or support this resolution.

Client expense: $11,500 · Firm income: Not reported

International religious freedom; H. Res. 290; religious liberty; separation of religion and government; women's access to healthcare; school vouchers; accurate science education; accurate science data in public policy decisions; atheist equality

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

International religious freedom; H. Res. 290; religious liberty; separation of religion and government; women's access to healthcare; school vouchers; accurate science education; accurate science data in public policy decisions; atheist equality

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

International religious freedom; H. Res. 290; religious liberty; separation of religion and government; women's access to healthcare; school vouchers; accurate science education; accurate science data in public policy decisions; atheist equality

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

International religious freedom; H. Res. 290; religious liberty; separation of religion and government; women's access to healthcare; school vouchers; accurate science education; accurate science data in public policy decisions; atheist equality

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

International religious freedom; H. Res. 290; religious liberty; separation of religion and government; women's access to healthcare; school vouchers; accurate science education; accurate science data in public policy decisions; atheist equality

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

International religious freedom; H. Res. 290; religious liberty; separation of religion and government; women's access to healthcare; school vouchers; accurate science education; accurate science data in public policy decisions; atheist equality

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

International religious freedom; H. Res. 290; religious liberty; separation of religion and government; women's access to healthcare; school vouchers; accurate science education; accurate science data in public policy decisions; atheist equality

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

International religious freedom; H. Res. 290; religious liberty; separation of religion and government; women's access to healthcare; school vouchers; accurate science education; accurate science data in public policy decisions; atheist equality

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Encouraging support for the repeal of global blasphemy laws, H.Res. 290

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE