RUSSIAN FEDERATION LEGISLATION AND RELIGIOUS GROUPS

Early day motion 775, tabled 11 February 1998 by David Atkinson (Conservative). Signed by 43 members.

That this House notes with concern the Russian Federation legislation, on freedom of conscience and on religious associations, passed in September 1997; further notes the crackdown that has already taken place against religious groups including Jews, Pentecostals, Roman Catholics and the Salvation Army, despite assurances given by President Yeltsin and officials that legislation was intended only to control and curtail the harmful activities of key cults and sects; fears that an even more restrictive crackdown will occur in 2000 when the period for re-registration expires; and urges the Government to raise this issue as a matter of priority at the forthcoming EU-Russia Summit and to press for this law, which contravenes the European Convention of Human Rights, Russia's commitments on accession to the Council of Europe and indeed its own constitution, to be annulled.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Conservative 10, Liberal Democrat 6, UUP 3, Scottish National Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1.