he U.S. Senate has passed a compromise version of the Freedom From Religious Persecution Bill, clearing the way for expected White House approval. The 98-0 vote came after administration officials signaled their approval of new language which modified the original FFRPA into a compromise version known as the International Religious Freedom Act. The new bill gives the president a list of options when dealing with nations founds guilty of "religious persecution" -- everything from diplomatic protests to economic sanctions, or loss of trade status and non-humanitarian aid. The White House won an important point though; the new bill also permits officials to waive enforcement if it is determined that the action is in the "important national interest" of the United States.

    The compromise version had been floated recently by Sens. Don Nickels (R- Okla) and Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.).

   Though lacking its original teeth, passage of the FFRPA/IRFA drew quick praise from Randy Tate, Executive Director of the Christian Coalition. He extolled senators for taking "the moral high ground by standing for basic human rights, serving notice on tyrants around the world that the spotlight will now be focused on them and their oppressive persecution of people of faith."

    In Senate debate prior to the vote, Mr. Lieberman gushed that somewhere, "right now, a man or woman languishes in prison, some on death row, because he or she did nothing more than choose faith in God." He added that the measure "is a reminder to the executive branch of the American government, both now and in the future, that as it encourages human rights all over the world, it must consider freedom of religion."

    Only one Senator expressed doubts about the bill -- and he voted for it nevertheless. In debate, Sen. Rod Grams (R-Minn) warned that the proposal was "full of pitfalls," adding "This is a dangerous area in which we are treading." He also suggested that the FFRPA would interfere with presidential authority to conduct foreign policy, and the "quiet diplomacy" which is often conducted covertly or with little media fanfare.

   The bill says nothing about non-religious groups or individuals who are persecuted by governments, often in theocratic nations. Nor does it address cases in the West, including Europe, where Atheists or other religious dissenters may be punished for "blasphemy," or where "hate crime" legislation is sometimes selectively used to suppress heretical works.

    Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said that today's passage in the Senate "is another example of selective indignation, and 'playing to the audience' by talking about human rights only in the context of religious belief." She added: "This bill distracts us all from other examples where personal freedoms are violated by governments across the world, as in cases of dissident journalists, writers, labor movements, groups advocating rights for women, students and many, many others."

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