Washington, D.C. - Congressman Howard L. Berman, senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today joined Congressman Ed Royce in introducing H. Res. 306, a bipartisan resolution calling on Turkey to end all discrimination against Christian minorities.  Already, this resolution has the support of 31 members of Congress.

“By expropriating church properties, harassing worshippers, and refusing to grant full legal status to some Christian groups, Turkey has failed to fulfill its obligation as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Berman said. “This important resolution calls on Turkey to end its deeply disturbing practice of religious discrimination, cease all restrictions on gatherings for religious prayer and education, and return stolen church property.”

Berman is also an original cosponsor of H. Res. 304, the Armenian Genocide resolution, introduced this week by Congressmen Robert Dold and Adam Schiff.  

“As the global leader on human rights, the United States has a moral responsibility to recognize the Armenian Genocide,” Berman said.  “We must do everything in our power to ensure that the horrors of the Armenian Genocide will never be forgotten.”  

“As we recall this terrible chapter of human history, we should also reflect on the contributions of the Armenian community in America -- including hundreds of thousands in California -- to the richness of our character and culture.  The strength they and their immigrant ancestors have displayed in overcoming tragedy to flourish in this country is an example for all of us.  Their success is moving testimony to the truth that tyranny and evil cannot extinguish the vitality of the human spirit.”

Last year, as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Berman moved the Armenian Genocide resolution through the Committee.