Goa Shelves Proposed Anti-Conversion Law After Lawmakers Object
The bill would have made Goa India's 14th state with such a law. Christian leaders welcome the pause but warn the measure could return.
PANAJI, India —
A proposed anti-conversion law in the Indian state of Goa has been set aside for now after several lawmakers, including some from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), objected to it, Open Doors UK reported Oct. 19.
Goa's state Cabinet approved the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill in August. It was later dropped from the Assembly's list of business and was not brought up during the monsoon session. If passed, it would have made Goa the 14th Indian state with an anti-conversion law.
The bill called for prison terms of up to life, a minimum fine of 50,000 rupees and compensation of up to 500,000 rupees to victims. Anyone planning to change religion would have had to file a declaration with a district magistrate at least 60 days ahead, stating the conversion was voluntary.
Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, an independent lawmaker who backs the BJP-led government, told The Indian Express: “Goa is a peaceful state, and people here have lived and continue to live in harmony.” The Council for Social Justice and Peace and the Catholic Association of Goa had called for the bill to be withdrawn.
Open Doors said it found no evidence of widespread or systematic forced conversion in Goa. Opponents believe the bill was meant to stir tension ahead of elections next year.
Christian activist John Dayal cautioned in The Quint that “the Goa anti-conversion bill is parked and not scrapped.” Churches fear it could come back, Open Doors said. Watchman News has not independently confirmed the details.
