Madhya Pradesh anti-conversion law 'a threat to democracy'
Mumbai (AsiaNews)
- "The secular democracy of India is in danger because of anti-conversion
laws like that of Madhya Pradesh". The Global Council of Indian Christians
(GCIC) has asked State Governor Shri Ram Naresh Yadav, not to sign the
amendment to the Madhya Pradesh 1986 Freedom of Religion Act. According
to Sajan George, president of the GCIC, not ratifying the amendment would be a
sign of democracy, especially in view of the 67th anniversary of India's
Independence, which falls on August 15.
The
government of Madhya Pradesh debated the amendment on July 10. It
concerns section 5 of the Act and requires priests and pastors to provide local
authorities with details of the person who has decided to change his or her religion
at least 30 days before the ceremony. Punishment
for non-compliance says Christian leader, "is a fine of 50 thousand rupees
(616 euro) and up to three years in prison, or 100 thousand rupees (1200 euros)
and four years in prison the case of Dalits or
tribals".
According
to Sajan George, "the government is attempting to impose such a draconian
law to please the Hindu majority in the upcoming elections." Madhya
Pradesh is led by the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP), a Hindu ultra-nationalist party that supports extremist groups
of the Sangh Parivar, perpetrators of violence and persecution of ethnic,
social and religious minorities throughout India.
However,
the GCIC president notes "Our fore-fathers inscribed constitutional
freedom of religion [in the Charter, ed] to protect every citizen. If the
governor signs this amendment, India's democracy will be in danger."
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12/01/2021 16:35
