Sign before praying: A new conversion law is affecting churchgoers in Indian state
Summary
A new law in Maharashtra, India, limits religious conversions by banning changes caused by force, fraud, or pressure. Some churches in Mumbai now ask attendees to sign forms confirming they came voluntarily to pray to avoid legal problems.Key Facts
- Maharashtra introduced a law against religious conversions by force, fraud, coercion, or inducement.
- The law requires people who want to convert voluntarily to inform authorities beforehand.
- Breaking the law can result in up to seven years in prison, or ten years for repeat offenses.
- Some churches in Mumbai ask worshippers to sign declarations saying they came to pray by their own choice.
- The law is intended to protect vulnerable people from being forced or tricked into changing religion.
- Critics say the law interferes with private religious decisions and could cause fear among minority groups, especially Christians.
- There have been reports of disruptions to prayer meetings and questions from strangers about people’s reasons for attending church.
- Mumbai is a diverse city where many religions coexist and people practice different faiths close to each other.
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