NORTHAMPTON — The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, which many Tibetans in western Massachusetts have voiced support for, was officially signed into law on Wednesday.
Strict travel constraints put in place by the Chinese government have significantly limited travel into the region, which has largely barred American government officials, journalists and others from visiting Tibet, sometimes preventing Tibetans from visiting family or returning home. China has been widely criticized for human rights abuses in Tibet.
Under the new law, the U.S. Department of State must give an annual report to Congress regarding American access to Tibet and individuals responsible for the travel restrictions. Chinese officials identified as “substantially involved” in creating these travel policies will be denied access to the U.S.
The bill, which received bipartisan support, was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, along with Rep. Randy Hultgren, D-Ill.
“I’m glad that the President signed our bill, the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, into law,” McGovern said in a statement. “For too long, China has covered up their human rights violations in Tibet by restricting travel. But actions have consequences, and today, we are one step closer to holding the Chinese officials who implement these restrictions accountable.”
He continued, “I look forward to watching closely as our law is implemented, and continuing to stand with the people of Tibet in their struggle for religious and cultural freedom.”
Jacquelyn Voghel can be reached at jvoghel@gazettenet.com.