H.Res. 351, Condemning the violence and persecution in Chechnya

Floor Situation

On­­­­ Tuesday, June 27, 2017, the House will consider H. Res. 351, Condemning the violence and persecution in Chechnya, under suspension of the rules. H. Res. 351 was introduced by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) on May 23, 2017 and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which ordered the bill reported by voice vote. 

Summary

H.Res. 351 condemns the violence and persecution in Chechnya and calls on Chechen officials to immediate cease the abduction, detention, and torture of individuals on the basis of their actual or suspected sexual orientation, and hold accountable all those involved perpetrating such abuses.

The resolution also calls on the government of Russia to protect the human rights of all citizens and investigate these crimes in Chechnya and hold all those involved in perpetrating such abuses accountable.

Additionally, the resolution calls on the United States Government to continue to condemn the violence and persecution in Chechnya and affirms that the rights to freedom of assembly, association, and expression and freedom from extrajudicial detention and violence are universal human rights that apply to all persons.

Background

On April 1, 2017 a Russian newspaper reported that authorities in Chechnya had detained and tortured over 100 men due to their actual or suspected orientation and at least three deaths have been reported as a result of this persecution.[1]

On April 7, 2017, the United States Department of State issued a statement condemning this persecution and urged the government of Russia to release those wrongfully detained.[2]

According to the resolution’s sponsor, “By passing my resolution, we send a unified message that this body will continue to raise the alarm about Chechnya and Russia’s declining human rights record, and that this unwarranted persecution of gay or perceived to be gay individuals must end now.”[3] 

Cost

A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate is unavailable for the measure.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Dominique Yantko with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 6-1828.