Christians Face 2 Years in Prison for Evangelism in 8th India State to Pass 'Anti-Conversion' Law

The North Indian state of Uttarakhand is now the eighth state in the country to pass legislation that is officially named the "Freedom of Religion Act" but has the allegedly hidden intent to punish those who facilitate religious conversions, especially conversions from Hinduism to Christianity. The latest law carries a jail term of up to two years.

The Governor of Uttarakhand, Krishna Kant Paul, signed the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Bill of 2018 into law this month, according to local media reports. The law will be in force as soon as the state government, governed by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, drafts its rules.

The bill was passed in the state assembly last month.

On paper, the legislation claims to ban conversion by the use of force, fraud or inducement, but these terms are defined loosely to include social work, praying for the sick or even evangelism. It is commonly referred to as an "anti-conversion" law.

The eastern state of Odisha, the central states of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, the northern state of Himachal Pradesh and the western state of Gujarat also have similar laws in force.

The northern state of Rajasthan, too, has an anti-conversion law on paper, but the bill is pending with the president of India. In the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, it is awaiting implementation.

Last year, the eastern state of Jharkhand introduced the "Religious Freedom Bill," requiring converts to inform state officials of the time, place and the name of the person administering the conversion. Those found guilty face fines of up to $1,500 (100,000 rupees) and four years in prison. It is yet to be passed in the state legislature.

This week, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended that the U.S. government call on the Indian government to repeal anti-conversion laws.

Read more about anti-conversion laws on The Christian Post.