Chhatisgarh: Christians told to brace for Anti–conversion Bill

Though recent Chattisgarh “anti–conversion” bill proposed by the Hindu radicals ran into trouble after the Governor objected, Christians are told to prepare in the event of such bills are being implemented.

“People with right thinking have never allowed such bills to be passed, but vested interest in political circles are trying their best to pass the bill, but even if such bills are passed Christians must brace themselves to thrive under such measures,” said one Reverend in Riapur, who chose not to be quoted his name.

“The reality has changed, the bill can be implemented in any state once political parties like BJP comes into power in both the governments – the state and the centre. We must prepare for such realities too,” added the Reverend.

The BJP government in Chhatisgarh has eyed the same on states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan–all of them which are facing the same obstacles.

The anti–conversion laws and freedom bills are supposed to curb religious conversions made by “force,” “fraud” or “allurement,” but have been misused by the radicals to persecute Christians.

Therefore, Christians have been protesting saying that Article 25 of Indian Constitution and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, guarantee every single individual the right to preach, propagate and practice one’s religion and to choose the religion of one’s conscience.

According to the proposed amendment, a person failing to obtain prior permission for conversion can be imprisoned up to three years or fined up to 20,000 rupees.

Those who have taken permission, are to send notice to authorities within one month from the date of conversion, else they face imprisonment up to one year and a fine up to 10,000 rupees.

Related News:
– Chattisgarh Governor objects to “anti–conversion” bills passed by the BJP