Members of the US Congress have urged Secretary of State John Kerry to call upon Nepal to strike provisions in the new constitution that endorse religious discrimination against historically marginalised communities. 

The members of US Congress made such appeal at a time when Nepal Constituent Assembly is voting on the New Constitution Bill.

Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), spearheading the effort, noted that these provisions would violate international human rights treaties which Nepal is a party to.

 “We are seeing early warning signs that Nepal may legalise the persecution of up to 20 percent of its population, based solely on religious belief. It would be irresponsible not to speak up,” Wenstrup said in his letter to Kerry.

 The 25 members of Congress are urging Secretary Kerry “to work through diplomatic channels and to coordinate with regional allies and the United Nations to call upon the government of Nepal to ensure that its new constitution protects the rights of religious minorities.”

 The specific concern stems from a clause which prohibits proselytising and public expression of beliefs, what Wenstrup describes as an “anti-conversion” provision that goes against religious freedoms. The cosigners of the letter are hoping extra scrutiny from the international community will safeguard the rights of threatened religious minorities.