Photo: Flickr / Avinash Bhat (cc)
On September 28th, the Indian state of Karnataka joined several others by officially enacting laws that restrict conversion from one religion to another. The "Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act" officially seeks to prohibit "unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means." While restricting coercive conversions is laudable, such laws have frequently been misused against religious minorities throughout India.
The bill was passed by the Legislative Council on September 15th, despite objections by opposition members, who walked out in protest. The legislation received the governor's assent on September 28th and is in effect retroactive to May 17th. Although the bill had passed the Legislative Assembly in December, it was not brought before the upper house until the Hindu nationalist BJP obtained a majority of seats in council to guarantee its passing.
Christians have raised concerns, calling the law "draconian." Anyone convicted of participating in an "illegal" conversion will now face five years in prison, extended to ten years if it involves the conversion of a minor. The law also allows anyone associated with an individual to lodge a complaint against them, opening ways to further harass Christians. Hindu nationalists have claimed that Christian groups use social services such as schools and hospitals to illicitly convert Hindus. To read previously published reports on the persecution of Christians in India, go to our country report.
Pray that Christian leaders in Karnataka, along with those of other Indian states, will be granted God's wisdom and direction as they navigate these widely abused laws. May believers receive divinely appointed opportunities to continue reaching out to those around them with the Gospel message, even in the midst of these dangers. Pray that governing officials in India will realize the value of respecting diverse opinions and, therefore, endeavour to work harmoniously with members of all religious communities.
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