Archbishop hails move to repeal Anti-Conversion Law

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Archbishop of Bengaluru Peter Machado on Thursday thanked the State government for its decision to withdraw the anti-conversion act, which had been passed under the BJP’s previous term.

He said that the withdrawal of the bill was justifiable because it contradicted the fundamental right to practise and preach one’s religion guaranteed in the constitution, adding that non-Congress parties should support this endevour.

“On behalf of the Christian community, I express my profound gratitude and satisfaction towards the Government of Karnataka for its recent decision to repeal the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, commonly referred to as the anti-conversion bill,” Machado said in an official statement.

“It reaffirms the belief that the legislation was not only detrimental to the individual’s freedom of religion but also stood in direct contradiction to the provisions enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian constitution. This article guarantees the freedom to practise, profess and propagate any religion, a fundamental right essential for a diverse and pluralistic society,” he added.