Anti-conversion laws in the region

Anti-conversion laws are becoming part of a larger region-wide trend. They are not limited to militant Buddhist countries, but Hindu and Muslim nations as well. India is instituting anti-conversion laws state by state and Indonesia by executive decrees.

India's anti-conversion laws by state:

  • Orissa - passed (1967)
  • Madhya Pradesh - passed (1968)
  • Chhattisgarh - Split from Madhya Pradeshh and retained its anti-conversion law. Legislation is pending which will increase jail time from two to four years and require prior state approval of all conversions.
  • Arunachal Pradesh - passed (1978)
  • Gujarat - passed (2002)
  • Maharashtra - rejected after warnings it would increase the persecution of Christians (2005)
  • Rajasthan - pending
  • Tamil Nadu - (passed in 2002 but repealed)

Anti-conversion laws were held constitutional in 1977. Rev. Stainislaus vs. State of MP, AIR 1977 SC 908; This decision was cited by the SL Supreme Court.

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