The government of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh is planning to strengthen its existing anti-conversion legislation, according to a March 28 report from Compass Direct. The ruling pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) believes that the law is too lenient and contains too many loopholes.
Under the current law, an offense is punishable with up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of 10,000 rupees ($275 CDN). The proposed changes would increase the punishment to a maximum of four years in prison and a fine up to 100,000 rupees ($2750 CDN). In order to convert to another religion, a person would have to contact district officials thirty days in advance. Religious leaders would also have to submit a list of prospective converts thirty days in advance. Officials would have to approve the conversions before they take place. These provisions apply only to adults eighteen and older.
Glenn Penner, spokesman for The Voice of the Martyrs, commenting on this legislation, said, "Governmental approval of religious conversion is a blatant violation of basic human rights. The right to believe or to change ones belief is something that no government has the right to approve or disapprove. We render under Caesar what is Caesar's, but not when Caesar wants what is God's. India prides itself on its diversity and on being the world's largest democracy. This kind of legislation flies in the face of both claims."
Anti-conversion legislation is currently in force in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. Tamil Nadu revoked its anti-conversion legislation in May 2004 after the BJP was defeated in the general elections.
Pray that these changes will not take place and that other states in India will follow the lead of Tamil Nadu. Pray for wisdom for Christian leaders in Chhattisgarh as they deal with the implications of these proposals.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, click here.
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