1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web97-696 FUpdated May 29, 1998Russias Religion Law:Assessments and ImplicationsJim NicholAnalyst in Foreign AffairsForeign Affairs and National Defense DivisionSummaryThis short report provides an
2、overview and assessment of the Russian religion law.On September 26, 1997, Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the religion bill intolaw, and implementing regulations were promulgated in early 1998. The Administrationand Congress have raised concerns that the law may restrict religion and have ur
3、gedRussia to uphold its international commitments to religious freedom. The FY1998Foreign Aid Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-118) prohibits Freedom Support Act aid toRussia unless the President determines and certifies that the Russian government hasnot discriminated against religious groups in violat
4、ion of its international commitments.The determination was released on May 26, 1998, finding that Russia has not violatedsuch commitments, but that U.S. officials would continue to monitor the situation.BackgroundSince the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, most people in Russia haveeschewed athe