An organization engaged in spreading awareness about Christian contribution to Indian society has urged the governor of Karnataka not to sign a bill against religious conversions.
“It is nothing but a dictatorial bill,” read a letter from the Reverend Ferdinand Kittle Foundation to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot of Karnataka.
On September 16, the Karnataka Legislative Council, the upper house of the state legislature, passed the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021 or anti-conversion bill.
The bill awaits the governor’s signature to become a law.
The Reverend Ferdinand Kittle Foundation, however, said it “is undemocratic” and against the “spirit of secularism of India.”
“The Indian Constitution has given the right to practice and propagate one’s religion. And every Indian citizen has the right to choose his/her own religion,” read the letter, which is signed by the organization’s president, Anthony Vikram, vice president Solomon Raj, and general secretary Dalith Francis.
The bill stipulates that persons who want to change religion have to apply to the district collector’s office declaring their private and family information. “If it is done, does it not amount to violation of right to privacy under Article 21?” the organization asked.
“This law goes to the extent of deciding who one should marry or not. It violates the personal liberty to choose a life partner. It discourages inter-religious marriage by creating several hurdles. Again, this is in violation of Article 12 of the Constitution,” said the group.
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