Christian Leaders Call on Kharge to Reconsider Anti-Conversion Law

Christian community leaders in Karnataka have appealed to AICC president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, to intervene in matters concerning the community, including the repeal of the anti-conversion law. A delegation led by Rev. Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, met Kharge and sought his support in addressing key concerns faced by Christians in the state. The delegation called for the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, widely known as the anti-conversion law. It also sought the nomination of a Christian representative to the Legislative Council, 1% reservation for the Christian community, and greater representation in government boards and corporations. The leaders raised concerns over certain provisions of the anti-conversion law and its impact on the Christian community, particularly in relation to constitutional freedoms and the right to practise and propagate one’s faith. They said that nominating a Christian representative to the Legislative Council would give the community a platform to present its concerns and participate constructively in the legislative process. The delegation also pointed to socio-economic challenges affecting sections of the Christian community and called for measures to expand opportunities in education, employment and other areas of development. In addition, the delegation sought adequate and meaningful representation of Christians in government boards, corporations, statutory bodies and other nominated institutions.