Indian Christian groups raise concern over anti–conversion laws

An alliance of Indian groups representing various faiths and castes has condemned laws banning religious conversions, saying they undermined basic freedoms and would deepen communal tension.

"We consider that these laws seriously infringe and undermine religious freedom," a joint statement from the group, which includes over 100 Muslim, Buddhist and Christian bodies as well as numerous lawyers, academics and politicians, said.

In May, Pope Benedict condemned efforts to introduce anti–conversion legislation in several states in Hindu–majority but officially secular India, saying they were a "disturbing sign of religious intolerance."

For decades, the Hindu nationalists have accused Christian missionaries of bribing poor tribespeople and lower caste Hindus to change their faith.

But Christian groups deny such tactics and say those who do convert do so willingly to escape the rigid Hindu caste system.

Among the alliance opposing the laws are a number of groups representing Dalits, formerly called untouchables, who are at the bottom of the caste hierarchy.

"We believe these laws deepen and worsen religious divisions, conflicts and violence instead of enhancing the search for religious tolerance, harmony and mutual respect," the statement said.

It condemns "any unethical or improper conduct" by anybody propagating their faith, but suggests that anti–conversion laws in India "both restrict religious and charitable activities and create ample opportunity for abuse and unjust prosecution."

The joint statement also draws a link between anti–conversion laws and the widespread violence perpetrated by religious extremists across India, suggesting that the legislation "gives credence to the rhetoric used by extremists against religious minorities, and publicly legitimises opposition to a wide range of religious activities."

It also draws attention to the particular discrimination in the anti–conversion legislation against the most vulnerable sections of Indian society: "We especially abhor the additional penal provisions in four state laws, where the converted person is a woman or a member of the Scheduled Castes [Dalits] or Scheduled Tribes [tribals]."

The statement concludes by calling on religious and political leaders to "work together to find ways of addressing disputes through dialogue and through non–violent, non–legislative and non–discriminatory ways."

At least three of the 29 states ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its allies have enacted such laws.

Two others, including Rajasthan, which is also ruled by the BJP, are pushing for similar legislation.

The Rajasthan state assembly has passed a law but it has not yet been approved by the state's governor, who is from the secular Congress party. The state's law makes conversion a non–bailable offence and the accused subject to immediate arrest.

It also imposes a minimum prison term of two years and a fine of 50,000 rupees for those found guilty of "forcing" and encouraging others to convert.

"We especially abhor the additional penal provisions ... and call for full freedom of faith for the most vulnerable sections of Indian society," the alliance said.