Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jaipur (Fides Service) - The introduction of an anti-conversion law in the north western Indian state of Rajasthan is a setback for respect for human rights and religious freedom says UK based Christian Solidarity Worldwide CSW watchdog for freedom of conscience and religion in the world.
Similar laws are already in force in the states of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh. Civil and religious groups in Rajasthan have announced they will take legal action at the supreme court.
The bill punishes anyone who attempts to make a person change his or her religion using force, persuasion or fraudulent means. Punishment consists of prison, not less than two years and a fine up to 50,000 Rupees.
Instead of maintaining harmony among believers of different religions, the law will only increase tension says CSW. In other Indian states where similar laws are in force Christians are attacked by Hindu extremists on the grounds that they convert people by force or deception. “This type of law - says a CSW statement - gives credit to extremist rhetoric making Christians more vulnerable to accusation and attacks”, undermining religious harmony.
With its vague wording the Bill can be used to limit a wide variety of religious activities says CSW, including charity work and missionary activity. Moreover, it does not apply to re-conversion to Hinduism.
Observers fear the most affected will be the poorest people with no caste because as followers of the religion of the parents they will not be allowed to change. With restrictions on charity and development work they are doomed to remain in inferior living conditions.
CSW says “the introduction of the law is most concerning and is a violation of India’s Constitution which guarantees freedom of religion”, and calls on the international community to condemn this measure.
Christians in Rajasthan are about 100,000 in a population of 70 million (Agenzia Fides 12/4/2006 righe 28 parole 282)
