Two government officials have written letters to India's Congress Party president, Sonia Gandhi, opposing the anti-conversion bill recently passed in Congress-led Himachal Pradesh state.
Many were shocked when the bill was passed during the state's four-day winter session despite previous assurance from Sonia Gandhi that her party members were instructed to challenge similar laws in other states. Now, only needing the governor's signature to become law, Himachal Pradesh's anti-conversion bill is being opposed.
"This [bill] is against minorities," wrote an official with the DMK, part of the Congress Party's governing coalition, in his letter to Mrs. Gandhi. "The constituent assembly wanted to protect minority rights." There are only an estimated 8,000 Christians in Himachal Pradesh, which was stated as proof that the new law is not needed.
From another front, a Muslim leader and member of Parliament wrote to Mrs. Gandhi, "I request you to advise the government of Himachal Pradesh not to submit the bill to the governor for signature, but let it die a natural death." To many, the anti-conversion bills are seen as directly targeting Muslim and Christian conversion efforts.
Anti-conversion laws are already in place in eight of India's states. The Himachal Pradesh law would hand a prison sentence of up to two years and/or fines up to 25,000 rupees (US$565) to those found guilty of "forcible" conversions. To prove the conversion is of their own free choice, those wishing to convert would have to apply with the government at least 30 days in advance or be fined 1,000 rupees (US$23).
"As with every issue faced by our missionaries on the field, we are taking this difficulty to our Lord in prayer," said Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan. "We ask that all Christians join us in prayer that by God's grace, the governor of Himachal Pradesh will refuse to sign this bill. We also pray that this potential legislation would not lead to an increase in persecution of GFA missionaries and believers sharing Christ.
"We are also praying that the elected officials who are debating this bill will come to understand that Jesus loves them."