The Karnataka Assembly on Thursday passed the anti-conversion bill or the Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021 amid protests from the Opposition.
During the discussion in Assembly, the ruling BJP said the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, is a mere extension of the draft proposal prepared by the Congress back in 2016, prompting a protest from Congress MLAs.
The Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, was introduced by Home Minister Araga Jnanendra in the Assembly on Tuesday amidst a dramatic walkout staged by Congress.
In his opening remarks on the bill, the Karnataka home minister alleged that the anti-conversion bill is the brainchild of Congress. Later, the state’s Law Minister, J. Madhuswamy explained that the draft was prepared by the Law Commission as per the directions of the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
He also claimed that Siddaramaiah, as the then Chief Minister, had ordered to prepare the draft proposal on the prevention of forceful conversions. To this, Siddaramaiah challenged the BJP to prove its claims.
Furious arguments were initiated between the Congress and the BJP during the discussion. The arguments were ended on a dramatic note as Karnataka Congress’ chief D.K. Shivakumar tore up a copy of the Bill.
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A similar anti-conversion law is in-line in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, which prohibits unlawful conversions from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or by any fraudulent means.
The bill also penalizes those who wish to convert to another faith should file a declaration before the District Magistrate in a prescribed format at least 30 days in advance.