Indian state bans forced conversions

Some Dalits converted to Budhism earlier this year

Legislators in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have overwhelmingly approved a controversial bill banning forced religious conversions.

The bill was passed with 140 votes in its favour. Opposition parties could only muster 73 votes against.

Forced conversions are already prohibited in the state following an ordinance introduced by the government earlier this month. Thursday's vote will turn this interim provision into a permanent law.

The ban has provoked strong protests from minority Christians, Muslims and low-caste Hindus (Dalits), who say it violates the constitutional right to practise any religion.

Christians and other minority religious groups are worried that the law might be misused, as the definition of forced conversions is vague.

Debate

During a heated debate which preceded voting in the assembly, state chief minister Jayalalitha accused the Congress party, which voted against, of adopting double standards on the issue.

She said Congress-led governments had already introduced similar laws in several states, including Madhaya Pradesh.

Under the new legislation, anybody found guilty of forcing or inducing people to convert faces up to three years in jail or a hefty fine.

The law also makes it mandatory for all conversion plans to be brought to the attention of the district magistrate.

Many Hindu organisations have welcomed the new law.

But Dalits have been especially opposed and say it targets them.

They say they are discriminated against by the higher-caste Hindus, and the law deprives them of their right to choose Christianity or Islam where they hope to receive better and more equal treatment.