MARGAO
After expressing his strong reservations to the Centre’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026, Curtorim Independent MLA and BJP coalition partner Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco has flagged the Goa Cabinet’s move to bring the anti-Conversion Bill in the upcoming Assembly session, saying the move is not in good taste.
In fact, Lourenco told the media that he would immediately write a letter to the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to send the Bill to the Select Committee, sending a message loud and clear that he would oppose the Bill tooth and nail.
Questioning the anti-Conversion Bill, Lourenco said Goa has no history nor data of religious conversions in the state. “There is no evidence of religious conversions in Goa. Even in the 2-3 cases reported by the police, they were dismissed at the initial stage itself for want of evidence,” he said.
Saying that the Bill is not in good taste as it comes ahead of the upcoming elections, the Curtorim Independent MLA said people of Goa have been living in perfect harmony. “We are totally against the Bill. They first tried to bring the FCRA and now have given the nod for the anti-Conversion law. Goa is a peaceful state. This is certainly not expected of the government. I will demand that the Bill is sent to the Select Committee. As a Legislator representing Curtorim, we will oppose such types of things, no matter who says what,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lourenco said he has held detailed discussions on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 with the Bishop, Cardinal, priests and sisters from the constituency and across the Archdiocese, to understand the difficulties being faced by religious and charitable institutions in light of the proposed Bill.
Lourenco noted that these concerns have already been placed before the Joint Parliamentary Committee currently examining the legislation, and that civil society and charitable organisations must be part of continued consultations as the Bill moves forward.
The MLA said that safeguards must be built into the law to ensure it is not used in an arbitrary, discriminatory, or politically motivated manner. He stressed that any action relating to an institution's funds or registration must come with proper notice, and that essential services run by schools, hospitals and religious institutions must be protected.
"There is no question of any compromise on this. We will press for it, inside the House and outside, and we will ensure that the fears of our people are addressed."
The MLA reaffirmed his commitment to continue engaging constructively with both the State and Central Governments to ensure that the concerns of the Church, charitable institutions, and civil society in Curtorim are heard and resolved.
