The Indian state of Rajasthan has passed a controversial new anti-conversion bill that places Christians and other religious minorities at greater risk of persecution. The legislation, officially titled the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, was approved on September 9 and is awaiting the governor’s signature before becoming law. The bill criminalizes religious conversion without prior approval from local authorities, imposing harsh penalties—including imprisonment and fines of up to $30,000. In some cases, individuals who convert could even lose their homes or property. While officials claim the measure protects against “forced conversions,” Christian groups warn that it instead grants legal cover to extremists seeking to silence or intimidate believers.

Since the bill’s passage, Hindu nationalist mobs have already launched multiple attacks on churches and Christian gatherings. On September 21, assailants stormed a worship service, accused the pastor of coercive conversions, and brutally beat several members before police arrested the pastor instead of the attackers. Days later, another mob targeted the Hindustan Bible Institute, leading to the detention of two Christian staffers on similar accusations. Open Doors reports that violence against believers has sharply increased as Hindutva extremists—who advocate for India to be governed solely under Hindu ideology—exploit the new law to justify harassment. “After the anti-conversion law was introduced, extremists have become more active, targeting pastors and gatherings,” said a local ministry leader. Christians in Rajasthan now face not only mob violence but also the full weight of state power turned against their faith.

SOURCE: Western Journal