The CRUSADE Act (Civilians Resisting Unlawful Strikes Against Divine Establishments Act) is an introduced House bill that would prohibit the United States from allowing any weapon, weapons system, munition, aircraft, vessel, boat, or other implement of war that the U.S. provides to foreign countries from being used against Christian properties or Christian civilians in foreign countries. In practical terms, this would require the President to take actions to ensure that U.S.-supplied military equipment is not used to attack churches, Christian sites, or Christian people abroad. The bill uses a broad, directive-style language, signaling an intent to tightly constrain how U.S.-supplied weapons can be employed in conflict zones where Christians are at risk. Because the bill says “Notwithstanding any other provision of law,” it would supersede other legal requirements or restrictions related to arms transfers or foreign military aid, giving the executive branch enhanced latitude to enforce the prohibition. The text does not define key terms (e.g., what counts as “Christian properties” or “Christian civilians”) and leaves enforcement mechanisms to the President’s discretion. As introduced, the proposal could have wide-ranging implications for U.S. foreign policy, defense exports, and allied military operations.
Key Points
- 1Short title and purpose: The bill is titled the Civilians Resisting Unlawful Strikes Against Divine Establishments Act (CRUSADE Act) and aims to protect Christian properties and Christians in foreign countries from being targeted with U.S.-provided weapons.
- 2Prohibition scope: The President must ensure that any weapon, weapons system, munition, aircraft, vessel, boat, or other implement of war provided by the United States to any foreign country may not be used against (1) Christian properties (including churches, religious buildings/sites/monuments, and Christian property) or (2) Christian civilians in foreign countries.
- 3“Notwithstanding” provision: The bill overrides other laws to compel action, giving the President broad authority to enforce the prohibition.
- 4Enforcement action: The bill requires the President to take actions as may be necessary to ensure compliance, though it does not specify exact tools (e.g., sanctions, end-use restrictions, withdrawal of support).
- 5Definitions and scope gaps: The text does not define “Christian properties,” “Christian civilians,” or “any foreign country” in detail, which could lead to interpretive ambiguity and potential disputes.