Assembly passes Freedom of Religion (amendment) Bill

Gandhinagar, Sep 19 (UNI) The Gujarat Assembly today passed by voice-vote the Gujarat Freedom of Religion (amendment) Bill 2006 amid protests from the opposition benches.

Raising a point of order on the Bill after it was placed in the Assembly, Leader of Opposition Arjun Modhvadia said, ''The bill contravenes Article 25 of the Constitution and what the Indian Parliament stands for since the bill tries to define Jainism and Buddhism as being part of Hindu dharma.'' He said the Supreme Court had held that Jainism and Buddhism were independent religions. My only request is that the bill be presented in proper order. Let all religions get equal respect. ''The idea behind the amendment is politicking in the name of religion,'' Mr Modhwadia said.

Calling it a Black Day for the country and the state, Mr Modhwadia said the government has no business to regulate the freedom of choice of its people in the name of preventing conversion. A bill was brought last time when the Lok Sabha elections were around the corner. ''If somebody wants to change his or her religion, there should be no restrictions,'' he said.

Pointing out the spread of Swaminarayan and Iskon cult, he said foreigners have subscribed to our philosophy on their own volition.

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