Anti-Conversion Bill Becomes Law in North India State

On 19 February, the governor of Himachal Pradesh state, Shri Justice Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje, gave his assent to the anti-conversion law passed by the state legislature on 29 December 2006. The bill has now passed into law.

Himachal Pradesh is a mostly mountainous state in northern India.

Minority groups had expressed grave concern that the 'Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2006' was passed by the secular Congress Party, after similar laws were passed and strengthened in states ruled by the Hindu fundamentalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) last year. CSW partner organisation, the All India Christian Council (AICC) is considering a legal challenge to the law at the Supreme Court.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) previously reported that Christians faced a fresh wave of harassment by Hindu extremist groups after the bill was passed. Further attacks have subsequently taken place.

Dr Joseph D'souza, President of the Dalit Freedom Network and the All India Christian Council, said, "It is highly regrettable that the secular Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has chosen to pass this law, which severely undercuts the fundamental right to freedom of religion, particularly for exploited Dalits and tribals.

"The assent of the governor amounts to an endorsement of the discrimination and persecution against religious minorities in that state, which has already begun since the bill was passed on 29 December."

CSW's Advocacy Director, Tina Lambert, said, "Hindu extremist groups already seem to have been bolstered by the passage of this law, encouraged by the state-sponsored religious freedom restrictions which are becoming ever more common across India.

"This is a very troubling trend, and we urge the international community to make urgent representations to the Indian government about the proliferation of anti-conversion legislation."
related articles
European Parliament Opposes Dalit Discrimination

European Parliament Opposes Dalit Discrimination

BBC Poll Highlights Concerns of Caste as a 'Barrier to Social Harmony'

BBC Poll Highlights Concerns of Caste as a 'Barrier to Social Harmony'

World Ecumenical Head to Address Largest Christian Gathering in Asia

World Ecumenical Head to Address Largest Christian Gathering in Asia

Churches Called to Support Justice as India Celebrates 60 Years of Independence

Churches Called to Support Justice as India Celebrates 60 Years of Independence

World Ecumenical Head Urges New Global Vision to Thousands in India

World Ecumenical Head Urges New Global Vision to Thousands in India

News
Druze convert and family killed in Syrian violence
Druze convert and family killed in Syrian violence

He was killed for being a Druze, rather than for his Christian faith, according to an Open Doors partner.

Will the Church of England save the Tories?
Will the Church of England save the Tories?

The Church of England has often been described as "the Tory Party at prayer".

Age verification on pornography websites welcomed
Age verification on pornography websites welcomed

The average child in the UK will first see online pornography at age 13.

Bishop of Sheffield to head Orgreave inquiry
Bishop of Sheffield to head Orgreave inquiry

Bishop Wilcox acknowledged the “weight of expectation” surrounding the inquiry.