Conversion Law in Indian State Causes Concern for Christians

(27 Mar 08 - RV) The Indian state of Rajasthan has pushed through a bill to prohibit conversions by what it calls force, or fraud. Such legislation has often been used to prevent Hindus from converting to other religions, including Christianity. Critics say such legislation is violation of a person’s right to his own religious beliefs.

Father Henry D’Souza of the Catholic Bishops' Conference Of India’s Commission for Social Communications says that the move in Rajasthan is a desperate election ploy to win the vote of radical Hindus...