Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act supported by Westminster

Westminster City Council members, left to right, Mayor Pro Tem Margie L. Rice, Mayor Tri Ta, Sergio Contreras and Diana Lee Carey. (Photo by Tam Nguyen/Nguoi Viet)

Westminster City Council members, left to right, Mayor Pro Tem Margie L. Rice, Mayor Tri Ta, Sergio Contreras and Diana Lee Carey. (Photo by Tam Nguyen/Nguoi Viet)

Royce’s bill proposes sanctions on individuals who are complicit in human rights abuses committed against nationals of Vietnam or their family members. Vietnam remains a one-party state, ruled and controlled by the Communist Party of Vietnam, which continues to deny right of citizens to change their government.

By Tam Nguyen, Nguoi Viet | August 28, 2014

WESTMINSTER, Calif.- The City Council has voted unanimously to support the Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act.

There was not an empty seat at City Hall on Wednesday as the Vietnamese community came to voice its support for the bill that was introduced by Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton).

Royce’s bill proposes sanctions on individuals who are complicit in human rights abuses committed against nationals of Vietnam or their family members. Vietnam remains a one-party state, ruled and controlled by the Communist Party of Vietnam, which continues to deny right of citizens to change their government.

“I am confident that we can work together to push this bill to become law in the United States, said Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, who spoke at the meeting. “The City of Garden Grove has approved this bill, and if this city supports it as well, it will be a huge step to get this bill approved in Congress.”

Garden Grove Councilman Christopher Phan said he hoped other cities would follow Westminster’s action. Garden Grove voted its support of the bill in April.

Garden Grove Councilman Christopher Phan (Photo by Tam Nguyen/Nguoi Viet)

Garden Grove Councilman Christopher Phan (Photo by Tam Nguyen/Nguoi Viet)

Westminster resident Kathy Nguyen urged the Westminster council to support the bill.

“I have a relative in Vietnam … sent to jail because he didn’t agree with the government. This bill will not only help my family but others as well, here and in Vietnam,” she said.

Residents of Westminster applauded their council’s support of the Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act. (Photo by Tam Nguyen/Nguoi Viet)

Residents of Westminster applauded their council’s support of the Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act. (Photo by Tam Nguyen/Nguoi Viet)

Dai Pham, also from Westminster, urged the council’s support as well.

“It is wrong for Vietnam and other countries to deny our human rights. By supporting this bill, Vietnam citizens will be one step closer to get their rights back,” he said.