Digital Desk: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a measure on
Saturday prohibiting "mass conversion" and increasing the maximum
punishment for any forced or coerced conversion to religion to ten years in
prison.
A voice vote was used to
approve the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
The bill proposes to amend the 2019 Act to include a reference
to "mass conversion," which is defined as two or more people
converting simultaneously, and to enhance the maximum sentence for forced
conversions from seven years to a maximum of ten years.
The measure was
introduced on Friday by the Jai Ram Thakur-led administration. The Himachal
Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2019, which was just enacted 18 months ago,
has been strengthened by this legislation.
It also increases the maximum term for forced conversions from
seven years to a maximum of ten years. The measure seeks to alter the 2019 Act
to include a reference to "mass conversion," which is defined as two
or more people converting simultaneously.
The Jai Ram Thakur-led
administration unveiled the measure on Friday. This law has enhanced the
Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2019, which was just passed 18 months
ago.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur stated in his introduction of the
bill on Friday that the 2019 Act lacked a provision to prevent mass conversion
and "hence, a provision to this effect is being introduced."
The 2019 Act's sections 2, 4, 7, and 13 are to be amended, and
section 8A is to be added.
Anti-conversion
legislation has received strong backing from the BJP, which is in power, and
has been passed in several states that the party also controls.
The action is being taken in advance of the Hill State's upcoming assembly election.
