The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued a
press release yesterday strongly criticizing the draft of the Religious Conversion Law that Burma's Parlisment has recently released for comment. USCIRF said in part:
“The draft conversion law is irreparably flawed and would contravene Burma’s international commitments to protect freedom of religion or belief. Such a law has no place in the 21st century, and we urge that it be withdrawn,” said USCIRF Chairman Robert George. “This draft law, and the three others that may follow, risk stoking continuing violence and discrimination against Muslims and other religious minorities, including Christians.”
The draft conversion law would create a governmental Registration Board to approve all religious conversions. While stating that “everyone has the freedom to convert from one religion to another,” the draft law would create a system clearly geared to discourage conversion.
