Nepalese parliament advances measure that would outlaw religious conversion

The Nepalese parliament has reportedly advanced a legislation that would outlaw religious conversions and the “hurting of religious sentiment” across the country.

On Aug. 8, the parliament passed a measure that was aimed at amending and integrating prevalent laws relating to Criminal Offense, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). The legislation is expected to become law as soon as it is approved by the president.

However, there are concerns that the legislation could be used to target religious minorities, like what occurred in the Charikot case in June 2016, when eight Christians were accused of converting children after they shared a comic book about the story of Jesus. (These concerns are raised by Christian missionaries, as now there will be obstacles in their ‘mission’ of converting others by deception or other such ways ! – Editor, Hindujagruti)

Human rights advocates in Nepal have argued that the bill restricts freedom of expression, as well as the freedom of religion or belief, and are now calling for the legislation to be amended.

Similar anti-conversion laws are currently enforced in Burma and in six Indian states. CSW has raised its concern that such laws have been misused to foster social intolerance and violence towards peaceful religious activities, and to falsely accuse religious minorities of forcefully converting others. (Why CSW is silent about misuse of travel visas provided by Indian govt to Christian missionaries who openly indulge in conversion activities ? It seems that CSW wants that conversion on non-Christians should go on by hook or by crook ! – Editor, Hindujagruti)

 

A recent report from World Religion News has noted that there has been a significant rise in the Christian population in Nepal, from 458 Christians in 1961 to 102,000 in 2001. In 2011, the number of Christians increased substantially to 375,000.

Many non-Christian religious leaders suggested that one of the reasons behind the conversions was greed, claiming that those who were converted received money, free blankets, rice and clothes from Christian missionaries.

Source : Christian Times