Anti-Conversion Bill To Be Introduced In Indian State

BosNewsLife reported yesterday that the government of India's eastern state of Jharkhand says it is introducing an anti-conversion law "to protect the culture and identity" of "tribal people", despite opposition from Christian groups. Nearly one-third of Jharkhand's predominantly Hindu population still belongs to tribal groups, each with its own customs and language. The proposed law will likely require government approval to change one's religion or to perform a ceremony of conversion. Jharkhand's only Christian cabinet minister, Enos Ekka, said, "I do not feel it is appropriate to introduce such a bill. In a secular country like India everyone has the right to live on the call of his conscience."