Goa Cabinet Clears Strict Anti‑Conversion Bill to Be Tabled Next Week

Critics warn the measure could polarise voters, prompt constitutional challenges, and strain police and courts.

Overview

The Goa Cabinet approved the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill on Wednesday and the government will introduce it in the state Assembly’s monsoon session starting August 31.
The draft law criminalises conversions by force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraud or marriage and prescribes penalties up to life imprisonment, minimum fines and victim compensation.
Independent MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco and opposition parties have demanded the bill be sent to a Select Committee and have pledged to oppose it in the Assembly if it is not reviewed.
Legal experts and critics say Goa has no clear record of forced conversion cases, noting the government cited three incidents that were later closed or quashed, and they say those facts raise constitutional risk.
The proposal follows a national pattern of state anti‑conversion laws and could increase communal tensions ahead of elections, prompt court challenges, and add workload for police and courts if it becomes law.