BELAGAVI
In a development which has shocked Christians across Karnataka, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on Tuesday has given his nod to the Protection of Religious Freedom Bill, also known as Anti-Conversion Bill.
The development has come few days after the BJP government decided to take the ordinance route to introduce the contentious anti-conversion law in Karnataka.
Reacting immediately, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said the step was taken to maintain peace and order in society.
He said the law is not against any religion, but religious conversion by force or through inducement has no place under the legislation.
Meanwhile, Archbishop of Bangalore Peter Machado who had given a memorandum to Governor Gehlot on Monday urging him not to give consent to the bill expressed sadness after the Governor consented the ordinance.
"We are sad and anxious, however Christians are a peace-loving community and would not like to protest, but look out for a peaceful way to raise their concern," Archbishop Machado said.
Bishop of Belgaum Derek Fernandes has termed the development as unfortunate and unnecessary.
Earlier on Monday, a delegation of Christians on Monday had met the Karnataka Governor urging him not to sign the controversial anti-conversion ordinance.
In his memorandum to Gehlot, Archbishop of Bangalore Peter Machado had claimed there are sufficient laws and court directives in place to monitor any aberration of the existing laws, hence the bill is not required.
Referring to fundamental rights enshrined the memorandum states that introducing such laws would infringe the rights of the citizens, especially of the minority communities.
Archbishop Machado questioned the survey of Christian priests, religious institutions and churches by the Karnataka Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Departments.
"When all censuses provide the date, why do we need yet another futile exercise? Why only Christian minority community is targeted and marked for this arbitrary, fallacious and illogical move? What is the motive that is driving them to do so," questioned the archbishop.
The memorandum reminded the contribution and selfless humanitarian services rendered by Christians towards the overall development of the state and the nation.
"However, not a single incident of forced conversion has been reported so far in our institutions. Then, where is the complaint coming from and what is the motive behind such false and fabricated news? Let the government prove,” Archbishop Machado added.
Expressing fear over the outcome of the bill, leaders have said it would become a tool for the fringe elements to take law into their own hands, causing tension and unrest across the state.
