Bengaluru, Oct 30 Archbishop of Bangalore Peter Machado on Friday called upon the Karnataka government to repeal the anti-conversion law enacted in 2022 and other laws and policies affecting minorities and marginalised communities, while strengthening legal safeguards against hate speech and hate crimes.
In a press release issued on behalf of representatives of religious minority communities, civil society organisations and human rights advocates, Machado said the government must fulfil its election promises and constitutional obligations to protect religious freedom, dignity and equal citizenship.
“The Karnataka government must repeal the anti-conversion law and come out with a comprehensive policy for protection against divisive, hate-mongering speech and activities,” the statement said.
“Anti-conversion laws criminalise our very existence as religious minorities and undermine the constitutional promise of freedom of conscience,” Machado said.
He demanded complete repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022.
The statement said the legislation cast suspicion on the religious identity and expression of faith of minorities, particularly Christians, and raised serious concerns over the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion under Article 25.
Describing the law as an “unacceptable constitutional overreach”, it said Karnataka had an opportunity to set an example for other states by repealing it and restoring confidence in constitutional freedoms.
The representatives urged the government to strengthen, amend and effectively implement laws dealing with hate speech, communal incitement and crimes targeting minorities and vulnerable communities.
“Speech that incites discrimination, hostility or violence threatens peaceful coexistence and creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity,” the statement said, calling for timely investigation, prosecution and accountability.
It sought repeal of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, and withdrawal of the decision to scrap Category 2B reservation for Muslims through a government order issued on March 27, 2023.
The statement flagged amendments to the Land Reforms Act and the four Labour Codes, alleging that such changes affected the livelihoods of large sections of society and created insecurity among marginalised communities.
“We call upon the Government of Karnataka to repeal all these acts and develop a balanced and constitutionally compliant framework for the development of society,” it said.
Emphasising Karnataka’s tradition of religious, cultural and linguistic diversity, the statement said the government should translate its commitment to constitutional values into concrete legislative action.
(PTI News)
