Japan's Lower House has passed a bill that would regulate religious donations, including those to the group formerly known as the Unification Church.

The move comes after months of public pressure to address allegations against the group.

The new law would ban religious entities from stirring anxiety to solicit donations, and implying followers have a spiritual obligation to give.

Violators could face up to one year in prison, or be fined up to 7,300 dollars.

The law would also require groups to consider if their practices impact people's free will, or their ability to support themselves.

And it would allow authorities to reveal the names of entities that don't follow the rules.

The bill is expected to be enacted on Saturday after a vote in the Upper House.

Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Ishibashi Michihiro said, "We should feel a grave responsibility for allowing horrible human rights violations, and must design a truly effective legal system as soon as possible."

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said, "We'll continue trying to widely share the interpretation of the law, and to enhance its effectiveness. We'll also carefully respond to feedback about it."

A woman who goes by the pseudonym Ogawa Sayuri and whose parents are followers of the former Unification Church says she's grateful that the ruling and opposition parties worked together to pass the bill.

She says, "There are still many issues that need to be resolved. I hope victims like myself will not be forgotten.

Kishida has faced significant scrutiny over the group's ties to his party's lawmakers.

His cabinet's approval rating has fallen sharply since the links were revealed.