Raipur, India - Christian groups in Chhattisgarh are lobbying against the anti-conversion bill passed by the state assembly that has banned religious conversion by force or allurement.
According to community leaders, Catholic priests in tribal strongholds are upset with certain provisions of the bill.
'We oppose (harassment of) missionaries and (targeting of) Christians. The bill violates fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian constitution,' Archbishop Joseph Augustine of Raipur told IANS.
The Archbishop headed a delegation that met Governor K.M. Seth Tuesday to brief him about the 'feelings and reservations' of Christians against the bill.
The Chhattisgarh assembly earlier this month passed the anti-conversion bill amid protests by the opposition. It provides a three-year jail term and a fine of Rs.20,000 for those indulging in religious conversion, by force or allurement.
The legislation is an amendment to the Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, that was retained by Chhattisgarh when it was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in November 2000.
Christian bodies say it was passed mainly with a view to put a check on missionaries who have a strong presence in the educational sector in tribal hamlets of the state.
The amendment, yet to be approved by the governor, requires those wishing to change their religion to seek the permission of the local district magistrate 30 days in advance.
There are over 300,000 Christians in Chhattisgarh, home to 20.8 million people.