Haryana govt introduces anti-conversion bill in assembly, causes uproar

Haryana government introduced the anti-conversion bill in the assembly today causing an uproar, as opposition raised objections to the bill. Congress MLA Raghuvir Singh Kadian tore a copy of the bill for which he was suspended.

The Haryana government on Friday introduced the anti-conversion bill in the assembly, causing an uproar as the opposition raised strong objections to the bill citing religious discrimination.

The Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, was introduced during the budget session today. The bill prohibits religious conversions which are effected through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage, making it an offence.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, while speaking on the bill, said it is not aimed at discriminating against any religion and talks only about forcible conversions.

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Khattar said, "There is no mention of any religion in the bill. The purpose is to stop forcible conversions. No person shall be allowed to use coercion, threat or marriage as a means to convert people."

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"If a person wants to change religion at will, then its provision is written in the bill," he added.