Another Indian State Passes Anti-Conversion Law

The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh yesterday passed an anti-conversion law-- but one that is somewhat milder than those in other states. The law bans forcing or inducing another person to change religions, and provides that the victim can freely return to his original religion within a month of the conversion. The law is particularly aimed at Christian missionaries who convert poor Hindus with inducements of free education and health care. ANI reports that while five Indian states ruled by the BJP Party have passed anti-conversion laws, this is the first such statue passed in a state whose government is controlled by the Congress Party.