Goa Cabinet approves strict anti-conversion Bill for Assembly debate

The Goa Cabinet has given its approval to an anti-conversion Bill that seeks to criminalize religious conversions of vulnerable populations, with the measure set to be presented before the state legislature in the coming session.

Under the proposed legislation, unlawful conversion of minors, persons with disabilities, women, or members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes would be punishable with rigorous imprisonment ranging from 5 to 14 years. Violators would also face a minimum fine of ₹1 lakh, according to government officials.

The Bill represents the state government's effort to regulate religious conversion practices through legislative means. Similar anti-conversion measures have been adopted or proposed in various Indian states, with proponents arguing such laws protect vulnerable groups from coercive conversion practices.

The introduction of the Bill in the Assembly will likely spark debate among lawmakers and civil society groups, given the sensitive nature of religious freedom and conversion issues in India. The measure's passage would add Goa to the growing list of states with anti-conversion legislation on their statute books.