Karnataka/The anti-conversion bill stands in the way of people’s dignity: Cynthia Stephen
The Hindu
It furthers the Manusmriti-sanctioned agenda of Brahminical patriarchy, says the activist and researcher
“Why does the majority fear a minority community that comprises only 2-3% of the population? Why is the ‘56-inch chest’ afraid of us?” Cynthia Stephen, activist, researcher and independent journalist, thundered into the microphone at a protest in Bengaluru’s Freedom Park last December. About 40 civil society organisations had gathered there to protest the anti-conversion bill, formally the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, introduced by the State government. “This Bill that the ruling BJP legislators want to pass is against the very Constitution they took their oath on while assuming power. It furthers the Manusmriti-sanctioned agenda of Brahminical patriarchy that delegitimises women, Dalits and other minorities,” Cynthia said.
The Bill seeks to punish forced or induced conversions. It prohibits conversion by “misrepresentation, force, allurement, fraudulent means, or marriage.” The Karnataka Assembly passed the Bill by a voice vote on December 24, even as the Congress and JD(S) opposed it. It is yet to be tabled in the Legislative Council.
According to Cynthia, “The Bill is a red herring to distract us from real issues like the multi-crore bitcoin scam in the State and the pothole-ridden roads in Bengaluru despite a whopping ₹20,000 crore being spent on them.” She goes on to say that, under this law, even acts of charity can be construed as inducement, attracting stringent punishment. “During the pandemic, I raised funds to distribute rations among women through my NGO. This action can attract a 10-year sentence under the statute. Services provided by convent schools and Christian hospitals can be similarly penalised.” Every offence in the Bill is non-bailable and cognisable, with imprisonment between three and ten years and fines up to ₹50,000.
Everyone talks about the Airport Metro, but one look at the pillars and completion seems nowhere in sight. Meanwhile, a faster, cheaper, roomier alternative called the Suburban Rail Airport Corridor is finally getting off the drawing board. This dedicated corridor with its specialised coaches will link the airport to vast stretches of Bengaluru, where the metro connection is still years away.