S.Amdt. 6623

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Booker, aims to add a section to the bill focused on combating international Islamophobia. It proposes to change the law by establishing a new office and requiring specific reporting on Islamophobia in foreign countries.

Key Additions and Changes:

• New Office: It requires the Secretary of State to create an Office to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia within 120 days of the act's enactment. This office will be led by a Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia.

• Purpose of the Office: The office is tasked with:

  • Monitoring and combating Islamophobia and Islamophobic incitement in foreign countries.
  • Coordinating and assisting with required reports regarding the nature and extent of these acts.
  • Consulting with multilateral organizations, institutions, and domestic and international nongovernmental organizations.

• Reporting Requirements: The amendment adds requirements to include descriptions of Islamophobia in foreign countries within annual Department of State reports, specifically:

  • Annual country reports on human rights practices.
  • Reports required by section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
  • Annual reports on international religious freedom.

• Report Details: These reports must describe the nature and extent of Islamophobia and incitement, including:

  • Physical violence or harassment of the Muslim community and vandalism of institutions like mosques, schools, and cemeteries.
  • Government and nongovernment media propaganda that promotes racial hatred or incites violence.
  • Government responses to attacks, the enforcement of religious freedom laws for the Muslim community, and efforts to promote tolerance and anti-bias education.