India's central Chattisgarh state passes anti-conversion bill

(05 Aug. 2006) : India's central Chattisgarh state has become the latest state to pass an anti-conversion bill on Thursday August 3^rd. The bill cleared the state legislature-- controlled by the Hindu-nationalist Bhartiya Janata Party - and provides for a three-year jail term and a fine of Rs.20,000 for those making religious conversion by force or allurement. The legislation makes it mandatory to seek prior permission from the government one month in advance before embracing another faith. However, the law exempts re-conversion back to the Hindu faith, stating that "returning to forefather's religion or his original religion will not be treated as conversion." Chattisgarh is the third BJP-ruled state to enact similar legislation since April, following the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states. However, they yet to received assent from their State Governors. The legislation is widely seen as a move by the BJP government to advance the agenda of the saffron brigade. Many Christian organisations and Human Rights Activists have deplored the move as another attempt to stifle human rights and the fundamental rights of citizens to profess and propagate the religion of their choice, without interference from the State.