Religion Bill Amendment passed by voice vote in Guj Assembly

Gandhinagar, Sep 19 (UNI) The Gujarat Assembly today passed by a voice-vote an Amendment to the Freedom of Religion Act, 2003, amid protests from the Opposition benches.

When the Amendment Bill was placed in the Assembly, Leader of Opposition Arjun Modhvadia said, ђThe Congress has objections to the anti-conversion clause. Each individual should have the freedom to practice his own religion. If he wants to convert, he should be able to do so freely.'' The original Act had come under fire from human rights groups when it was passed in March 2003. Under the legislation, anyone who wants to convert to another religion has to apply for permission from the District Collector. Those 'forcing' or 'alluring' people to convert are liable for criminal action.

The government too had failed to implement the law because of objections raised by the legal department.

Minister of State for Home, Amit Shah said missionaries were using bribes and dollops in the guise of benefits of education and health services to entice the poor. ''The vulnerable people are falling to such bait and the government is duty bound to protect them,'' he said. The Speaker okayed the Bill by a voice vote.

Under the new provisions, a person need not seek permission to convert in case of conversion from one sect to another of the same religion, say in case of conversion from Shia to Sunni or Protestant to Catholic. Also, it is applicable for conversions between the faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

UNI VNB/MMG AK HT1500