In the Press...
SSBCrack News article on Smith's legislation to address religious persecution in Nigeria'Lawmaker Pushes for U.S. Action to Protect Persecuted Christians in Nigeria Amid Growing Concerns'By News Desk A Washington lawmaker is pushing for new legislation that urges the U.S. State Department to take stronger actions to promote religious freedom and protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria. This comes amid growing concerns about escalating violence against Christians in the country, which the lawmaker describes as having “gotten significantly worse within the past year.” President Donald Trump recently made headlines with remarks stating that the U.S. might take severe measures against Nigeria, whom he labeled a “disgraced country” for allowing what his administration has characterized as systematic targeting of Christians by Islamic militants. Trump has expressed discontent over the Nigerian government’s handling of religious violence, specifically calling out the killing of Christians. In response to these issues, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) introduced H.R. 860, legislation intended to build upon a previous bill aimed at providing congressional support for State Department actions related to religious freedom. Smith emphasized that the new legislation aims to send a strong message to Nigeria, reinforcing that the U.S. will not condone or facilitate the persecution of Christians or other religious minorities. The new bill has garnered bipartisan support with co-sponsorship from Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL). Smith explained that the legislation would reinforce President Trump’s initiative against the persecution of Christians abroad and provide actionable congressional input for the State Department, including the possibility of imposing sanctions. With threats of sanctions looming, Smith and his co-sponsors highlighted potential actions the State Department could take. These include providing humanitarian aid to faith-based organizations in Nigeria, conditioning U.S. foreign assistance on compliance with religious freedom standards, and collaborating with the Treasury Department on targeted sanctions against those responsible for severe violations of religious rights in Nigeria. The State Department recently reported revoking around 80,000 visas for Nigerians and other foreign nationals since January, a move that underscores the tense diplomatic relationship. Additionally, the Federal government has previously designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), a classification that indicates significant issues regarding religious freedom and human rights violations. The situation has drawn scrutiny from various organizations, including the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which has recommended the CPC designation since 2009. USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler expressed approval of Trump’s recent comments, underscoring the need for a coordinated plan to hold violators accountable and safeguard those facing persecution. Reports indicate that religious violence in Nigeria is rampant, with an alarming estimate of over 19,100 churches attacked since 2009 and a rising death toll, including more than 7,000 Christians killed within just the first few months of 2025. The ongoing violence has resulted in the displacement and targeting of both Christians and other religious minorities, stoking fears and calls for government intervention. Smith remains hopeful that his proposed legislation will gain traction in Congress, viewing it as a critical step towards addressing the rampant violence and fostering a climate of peace and religious tolerance in Nigeria. |