Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco has criticised the Goa government’s proposed anti-conversion Bill, saying there is no evidence or historical data to establish that forced religious conversions are taking place in the state.
Reacting to the government’s plan to introduce the Bill during the upcoming Assembly session, Lourenco said the move was “not in good taste” and questioned the need for such legislation in Goa.
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According to the MLA, people belonging to different religions have lived peacefully in Goa for years, with no instances of forced conversion reported to justify the proposed law.
Lourenco maintained that individuals should have the freedom to choose their religion and said he was firmly opposed to the proposed legislation.
“There is no history or data proving that religious conversions are taking place in the state,” Lourenco said, adding that Goa’s tradition of religious coexistence should not be disturbed by such a measure.
His comments come ahead of the Assembly session, where the proposed anti-conversion legislation is expected to trigger further political debate over religious freedom and the need for such a law in Goa.
