Anti-conversion bill not targeting any religion: Araga

By NT Correspondent

Mysuru: Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has clarified that the Anti-conversion law is not intended to target any religion but is only meant to prevent forceful conversion by offering sops such as money and employment.

Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, the minister strongly defended the ordinance and said steps had been taken to protect peace in society. It is learnt that leaders of the Christian community had met the governor and submitted a memorandum registering their resentment against the Anti-conversion bill. But the amended bill does not have anything which curtails the religious rights bestowed on any religion in the Constitution, he asserted.

He said the bill had been deliberated in detail in the Legislative Assembly and a couple of lawmakers explained how forceful conversion had created confrontation among families. The law would be implemented in letter and spirit after getting assent from Raj Bhavan.

The previous Congress government had actually brought in the Anti-conversion law and the incumbent government has only strengthened the bill for its effective implementation, he added.