‘Anti-conversion’ bill becomes law in India

‘Anti-conversion’ bill becomes law in India

NEW DELHI, India — Uttarakhand has become the seventh state in India to put “anti-conversion” legislation in force. Gov. Krishna Kant Paul signed the “Freedom of Religion” bill April 18, which the state legislative assembly had passed.

The new law stipulates a two-year jail term for a forced religious conversion of a minor, a woman or a person belonging to the socially disadvantaged Dalit people or indigenous groups. Opponents of the law say it violates national provisions of religious freedom that allow individuals to practice the religion of their choice without interference.

Seven states in India have adopted anti-conversion bills, which Hindu extremists routinely use to falsely accuse Christians of forcible or fraudulent conversion. (MS)