The recent passage of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill marks a stark turn in the treatment of Christians in Rajasthan, India. With the bill now waiting for final approval, it has already unleashed a wave of violence against Christians, intensifying the persecution they face in the region.
According to the Christian advocacy group Open Doors, this bill mandates that all voluntary conversions be approved by local authorities. Failure to comply can lead to harsh repercussions, including imprisonment and significant fines that could amount to nearly $30,000. Even more concerning, homes may be confiscated or demolished due to the act of conversion. Such punitive measures undermine religious freedom and instill fear in communities.
Since the bill’s passage on September 9, a rise in mob attacks against Christians has been reported, with five separate incidents occurring shortly thereafter. On September 21, members of a mob invaded a church service, accusing the pastor of forced conversions. Instead of protecting the congregation, local law enforcement imprisoned the pastor while the mob assaulted believers defending him. This troubling response from the authorities raises serious concerns about their role in these escalating tensions.
Hindu nationalists, propelled by the ideology of Hindutva, are increasingly emboldened. They see this new legislation as a green light to target Christian gatherings unabated. Local partner Shiv Rathod, who remains anonymous for his safety, highlighted the dangers posed by this bill. “After the anti-conversion law was introduced in the State Assembly, Hindutva extremists have become more active, targeting Christian gatherings and accusing pastors of false conversions,” he explained. The police, pressured by these extremists, have been complicit, routinely registering false charges against pastors and believers.
The legislative process was contentious. Members of minority parties staged a walkout when the bill passed, signaling strong opposition, yet the government’s resolve to push it through prevailed nonetheless. “With the passing of this bill, the most vulnerable are the Christians,” Rathod emphasized, bringing to light the precarious position of this religious minority in the region.
The repercussions of this bill are not just immediate; they reflect a broader trend of persecution that has accelerated in the past year and a half, with over 150 incidents of religious violence reported in Rajasthan. Pastors have faced arrest on dubious charges of coercive conversion, church services have been disrupted, and many house churches have been shuttered. This trend paints a disturbing picture for adherents of Christianity, who now find themselves at risk simply for practicing their faith.
Moreover, the legislation includes provisions that exempt those who choose to recant their faith in favor of returning to Hinduism from prosecution. This stipulation places immense pressure on Christians, threatening them with violence and societal ostracism if they refuse to abandon their beliefs. Rathod’s observation that “Christian believers are threatened to renounce their faith and return to their old religion” encapsulates the grim reality faced by many in the community.
In summary, the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill has catalyzed an increase in organized violence against Christians, revealing the dangerous intertwining of politics and religious extremism in the region. The law’s passage signals an alarming trend, one that places religious minorities at the mercy of state-sanctioned oppression. As anti-Christian sentiment grows, the future for this community remains uncertain and fraught with peril.
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