Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Open Doors: India (direct post)

Rajasthan, India Passes New ‘Anti-Conversion’ Bill

On March 20, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party passed a new “anti-conversion” bill in Rajasthan state, an area situated in the north-western part of India. The constitutionally questionable bill states that if a group or organization is found to be “contemplating” the use of money for converting people, its registration can be cancelled. Christian groups fear this provision would provide the pretext for numerous complaints against Christian organizations.

The bill also obliges anyone intending to convert to send notice at least 30 days in advance or face a fine of up to 1,000 rupees ($25 US). It adds that the same requirement and penalty will not be applied to a person wishing to revert to her or his “original religion.”
Read Full Report

No comments: