In India Himachal Pradesh Governor gives assent to Anti-Conversion Bill

(22 Feb. 2007) : Mr Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje, the Governor of Congress-ruled north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, gave his assent to the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2006. The Act forbids any attempt of a person to convert from one religion to another through inducement or fraud. Those found guilty will be imprisoned up to two years and/or will also be fined Rs 20,000. A person wishing to convert has to give 30 days prior information to the magistrate of the district. The magistrate will then arrange an investigation to check the motives of the person wishing to convert. Though the Act seemingly bans conversion by coercion or allurement, similar Acts have been misused in other states to harass Christian workers. The State Assembly passed the Bill in the end of December last year.