[19990429]97-696_俄罗斯的宗教法：评估和影响.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web97-696 FUpdated April 29, 1999Russias Religion Law:Assessments and Implications(name redacted)Analyst in Foreign AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryThis short report provides an overview and assessment of the Russian religion law.On September 26, 1997, Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the religion bill into law,and religious groups are endeavoring to register by the December 31, 1999 deadline.The Administration and Congress have urged Russia to uphold its internationalcommitments to religious freedom. Omnibus Appropriations for FY1999 (P.L. 105-277;including foreign operations appropriations) prohibits Freedom Support Act aid toRussia unless the President determines and certifies that the Russian government has notpracticed religious discrimination in violation of its international commitments. On April15, 1999, the President determined that the Russian government had not discriminated,but stated that the issue requires close monitoring. This report may be updated.BackgroundSince the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, most people in Russia have es