US Senator Roy Blunt is renewing his call for the State Department to create a special envoy for religious minorities in the Middle East. Blunt, a Republican from Missouri, introduced the necessary legislation in March. This week, in the wake of widespread attacks on Christian churches, schools and other facilities across Egypt, he renewed his plea to have his bill formally taken up for consideration.
“The continued violence against Coptic Christians and other civilians in Egypt is incredibly disturbing and flies in the face of the religious freedoms and fundamental values that Americans hold dear,” Blunt said in a press release.
The envoy would “promote the right of religious freedom of religious minorities,” monitor abuses, and represent U.S. interest in religious freedom to foreign governments. The bill is co-sponsored by a bipartisan mix of 10 senators.
