MARGAO
Congress spokesperson Savio Coutinho onWednesday questioned the necessity of bringing the Goa Prohibition of UnlawfulConversion of Religion Bill 2026 when Goa is known for its long-standingtradition of social harmony.
First and foremost, he demanded official Statedata or evidence showing a high rate of forced conversions in Goa to justifysuch a strict law.
“Diverse communities have lived peacefully inthe state for decades without needing specialised penal legislation. This Billsurely raises Constitutional concerns. Excessively harsh penalties and broaddefinitions may infringe upon individual liberties and freedom of conscienceguaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.
He added: “This is purely to divert attentionfrom the failures of the government. The government needs to focus on pressinglocal issues like infrastructure, employment, and economic development insteadof polarising cultural debates.”
