Velim: Velim AAP MLA Cruz Silva said that the proposed anti-conversion law raises serious concerns, particularly because people of different faiths in Goa have traditionally lived together in peace, harmony and mutual respect.
“Goa is known for its communal harmony. People of different religions have lived together here for generations, celebrating each other’s festivals, standing by each other in times of need, and respecting each other’s faith. We must be extremely careful that a law intended to prevent forced or fraudulent conversion does not create suspicion, fear or hatred among communities,” Silva said.
“I am more worried about the hatred that such a law, if loosely drafted or wrongly interpreted, could potentially create. The possibility of misuse cannot be ignored. Any law dealing with an individual’s faith, conscience and personal choice must have very clear safeguards so that genuine cases of coercion or fraud are addressed, while innocent people are not targeted or harassed,” he said.
Silva said that the government must first establish the actual extent of the problem in Goa and explain why existing laws are insufficient to deal with cases of fraud, coercion or exploitation.
“Before bringing such stringent legislation, the government must answer a simple question: What is the actual problem we are trying to solve in Goa? We cannot allow national political narratives to disturb the social fabric of our state. Goa has its own character, its own history and its own tradition of communal harmony,” Silva said.
“The government should not create an atmosphere where a person becomes afraid to practise, profess or make a personal choice about his or her faith. At the same time, any genuine case of forced conversion, fraud or exploitation must be dealt with firmly under the law. There must be a balance between preventing criminal acts and protecting the constitutional freedoms of citizens,” he added.
Silva said he would carefully examine every provision of the Bill when it is placed before the Assembly.
“Our priority should be to protect Goa’s harmony, not introduce anything that can become a source of hatred and division. We must ensure that whatever law we make protects people without creating new victims,” Silva said.
