A sixth Indian state is debating the introduction of an ‘Anti-Conversion Law’.
Maharashtra would follow Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh in implementing a Freedom of Religion Act, which seems harmless in name, but in practice discourages evangelism. Pramod Singh, President, Christian Legal Association of India, said: ‘It is going to affect Christians in particular because propagation is something which is very intrinsic in the [Christian] faith.’
The number of violent attacks on Christians and churches in India increased over the summer months and 16 of the 18 incidents recorded by World Watch Monitor between July and early September took place in states where ‘Anti-Conversion Laws’ are in place.
