Karnataka: Anti-Conversion Bill Tabled; Assembly to Discuss on Wed

News

By Verghese V Joseph –

Belagavi: The contentious anti-conversion bill – The Karnataka Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021 — which was reportedly cleared by the cabinet on Monday without any amendments, was tabled in Karnataka’s Legislative Assembly on Tuesday amidst protests by the opposition parties Congress and Janata Dal (S).

The bill was introduced by home minister Araga Jnanendra following which the speaker said he allowed the government to table the bill following procedure and it will be taken up for discussion on Wednesday.

Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah argued that the Bill was being tabled ‘in stealth’ without giving adequate time for discussion, and it violates Article 25 of the Constitution.

The Congress MLAs staged a walkout and party leader and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief DK Shivakumar tore a copy of the Anti-conversion bill after the government introduced the bill in the state Legislative Assembly.

However, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs J.C. Madhuswamy and Revenue Minister R. Ashok insisted that the bill was being tabled as per procedure, and that it was brought in as an additional agenda.

Karnataka Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri announced that he has allowed the government to introduce the anti-conversion bill as per the procedure, and it will be taken up for discussion on Wednesday.

The bill comes against the backdrop of a series of attacks against members of the Christian community in various parts of the state, alleging their involvement in conversions, prompting protests against a bill which senior members of the church have called an attempt to “deflect” attention from corruption scandals of the government and “destroy” peace and harmony.