Hindu Vivek Kendra
A RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE PROMOTION OF HINDUTVA
   
 
 
«« Back
Anti-Conversion ordinance passed

Anti-Conversion ordinance passed

Author: NDTV Correspondent
Publication: NDTV
Date: October 31, 2002
URL: http://www.ndtv.com/topstories/showtopstory.asp?slug=TN+passes+anti%2Dconversion+ordinance&id=10499

Amidst an hour-long acrimonious debate, the Tamil Nadu assembly today passed the Anti-Conversion ordinance, with 140 members voting in favour and 73 opposing the measure.

The ordinance, which has now become a bill, seeks to regulate any forced religious conversion. The move, seen to target minorities had resulted in protests from organizations across the state.

Replying to the debate earlier today, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said that the legislation was not directed against any particular religion or minorities but was a bid to prevent conversions made through force or allurement.

"Those changing religion on their own volition will not be covered under this legislation", she claimed.

Protecting "vulnerable" sections

Criticizing the Congress for opposing the legislation, Jayalalithaa quoted Mahatma Gandhi as having said, "Conversions are harmful to India. If I had the power and could legislate, I should certainly stop all proselytizing".

She said the legislation would in no way affect the interests of the minorities and was "only aimed at preventing the vulnerable sections of society from falling a prey to force and allurements."

Pointing out that states like Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Arunachal Pradesh already had such laws, she recalled that nearly 800 Scheduled Caste people were forced to change their religion in Meenakshipuram in Tirunelveli district in 1981.

There was also communal clash in Mandaikadu in Kanyakumari district in 1982, forcing the then Chief Minister M G Ramachandran to appoint an enquiry commission, headed by Justice Venugopal.

The probe submitted that 'compulsory conversion' was responsible for the clashes. It also suggested enactment of a law to prevent conversions through allurement.
 


Back                          Top

«« Back
 
 
 
  Search Articles
 
  Special Annoucements