Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jaipur (Fides Service) - A group of Religious leaders anxious to stop an anti-conversion law recently approved in the state of a Rajasthan from coming into force has appealed to the central government of India to protect religious minorities and take action to prevent the implementation of the Bill which they say will only spread of religious nationalism.
The delegation (Christians of various denominations and Muslims) sent a memorandum to prime minister Manmoahn Singh asking him to withhold assent to the law approved on 7 May by parliament in the state of Rajasthan. The religious leaders say the law violates articles 19 and 25 of the Indian Constitution which guarantee all citizens freedom of religions. “If the law comes into force it will legalise persecution of religious minorities” said Fr. Rayond Coelho, president of the Rajasthan Christian Forum.
The Bill in questions forbids conversion from Hinduism to another religion but recognises the right for other believers to convert to Hinduism. “The document is part of the Baratiya Janata party’s intolerant nationalist agenda”, the Forum leaders say.
The religious leaders who gathered for a public meeting in a square in Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan State, received signs of solidarity from citizens of various different religions including Hindus, representatives of movements and associations and also some civil authorities.
Civil and religious groups in Rajasthan intend to lodge a legal protest with the Supreme Court against the law. Rajasthan state has a population of 70 million, of these about 100,000 are Christians. Similar laws are in force in others states in India, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.. (Agenzia Fides 9/5/2006 righe 28 parole 282)
