Anti-Conversion Bill: UN Envoy Meets Buddhists over Christian Fears

For several weeks the Freedom of Religion Bill has been a topic of controversy in Sri Lankan society and serious concerns among the Christians all over the world. The legislation pending in the Sri Lankan Parliament would result in penalties for those who attempt to cause religious conversions by force, fraud or "proselytism". Law is giving the room to court magistrates to determine whether the "proselytism" took place.

After worries were reported by Christian evangelists during the meeting of the World Evangelical Association with UN Special Rapporteur on Religious Freedom Asma Jahangir last month, she agreed to visit Sri Lanka in May. During her visit she will meet the representatives of Buddhist organisations on today 3rd May 2005.

Many opposing opinions over the anti-conversion law have been stated. During a meeting of Buddhists last Saturday, the Venerable Kirama Wimalajothi, Director of the Buddhist Cultural Centre, Nedimala, Dehiwala expressed that "The Bill should be definitely brought to Parliament – whether or not it is passed is a different matter since each MP is permitted to vote according to his conscience. The outcome will nevertheless prove how many of the so-called Buddhist parliamentarians support the Bill. The Minister of Buddha Sasana who is entrusted with presenting the Bill is now apparently retreating under pressure."

The Bishops of Sri Lanka expressed their concerns in the open letter to the parliamentary leaders. The letter, which was signed by Bishop Vianney Fernando, the president of the Sri Lanka Bishops' conference, emphasises that the "Catholic Church opposes any effort to encourage religious conversions by force or fraud."

Many bishops have also firmly backed the right for religious freedom, and they have expressed their view that the proposed law will do more harm than protect religious freedom. In conclusion they remarked that the UN Declaration on Human Rights endorses the rights of a person to choose his own religion freely.