MAPUSA
Claiming that conversions involving one’s free will is not wrong, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo said conversions which are forced upon by inducements or threats is certainly objectionable and a legislation is needed to prevent forced conversations.
She was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the hotmixing of the road from Bamanwada to Xel-Siolim at a cost of Rs 60 lakh. Siolim Sarpanch Sharmila Vernekar, Deputy Sarpanch William Fernandes, Oxel Sarpanch Vandana Narvekar, Deputy Sarpanch Praveen Kochrekar and other panchas were present on the occasion.
“It remains to be seen how many Goans have been converted. If someone is forcibly converted, it is wrong. Some conversions are done with the lure of money, and strict action should be taken against them," Lobo said.
“If anyone over 18 reads the Bhagavad Gita and decides to become a Hindu, what is wrong with that? Similarly, if a person over the age of 18 reads the Bible and wants to become a Christian, there is nothing wrong with that. If a person over the age of 18 gets married, the police can do nothing in the matter.
However, action should be taken against those who forcibly convert and there should be a suitable law to prevent forced conversions,” said Lobo.
