PANAJI: Church associations in Goa have opposed the State Cabinet’s decision to approve the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2026, terming the proposed legislation a threat to constitutional freedom and communal harmony.
The objections have been raised jointly by the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) and the Catholic Association of Goa (CAG), which have called for the Bill to be withdrawn before its proposed introduction in the forthcoming session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.
In a joint statement, the associations said the Church unequivocally opposes conversion through force, fraud, threats or coercion, but maintained that such acts are already punishable under existing criminal laws. The associations also said the Catholic Church does not engage in forced conversions. They pointed to Canon Law and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), under which adults seeking baptism are required to make a free and informed decision following a period of religious instruction.
The Church associations expressed concern over provisions reportedly covering conversion through “force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraudulent means or marriage”. They also objected to the reported provisions prescribing imprisonment of up to life, fines of at least Rs 50,000 and compensation of up to Rs 5 lakh. Another concern is the reported requirement for prior notice to the District Magistrate before a proposed conversion and the provision allowing complaints to be filed by third parties, including relatives, neighbours or political activists.
The associations said the term “allurement” was particularly concerning if left broadly defined, arguing that acts such as education, medical assistance, relief work, prayer for healing or ordinary acts of compassion could potentially be portrayed as inducement. They further warned that the legislation could allow private religious choices and interfaith relationships to come under scrutiny.
“Freedom of conscience” and the right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion are protected by the Constitution, the associations said, adding that an adult’s choice of faith and marriage falls within the sphere of personal liberty and dignity. The associations also questioned the need for such legislation in Goa, stating that no convincing evidence of widespread forced conversion in the State had been placed before the public.
They warned that third-party complaint provisions could encourage relatives, political activists or vigilante groups to interfere in private relationships, prayer meetings and individual religious choices, potentially increasing communal tensions. The CSJP and the CAG have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Bill.
If the government proceeds, they have called for the full draft to be made public and subjected to consultations with religious communities, constitutional scholars, civil society organisations and representatives of interfaith families before legislative consideration. The associations said Goa’s tradition of peaceful coexistence should be protected through confidence in constitutional liberty and the maturity of its citizens, rather than through mechanisms that could place personal beliefs and conscience under state scrutiny.
