Mr. Speaker, yesterday I extended an invitation to colleagues to join an international network of legislators committed to advocating against religious persecution and supporting religious freedom for all.
Last June, a small group of parliamentarians gathered together in Oxford. An agreement was reached to begin to build a wider international coalition. This plan became a reality in Oslo in November 2014 when interested MPs from around the world met to launch the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief. They pledged to work together to see an end to belief-based persecution.
Members of IPPFoRB hold various political perspectives, diverse religious beliefs, and hail from many different countries. These currently include Argentina, Brazil, Burma, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Nepal, Norway, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay. What we share in common is our belief in the importance of freedom of religion or belief. We are committed to see those freedoms strengthened worldwide.
Again, I extend the invitation to any interested legislators to join.