Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 27: Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco has opposed the Goa government's proposed anti-conversion Bill, questioning the need for such legislation in a state known for its long tradition of religious coexistence.

Reacting to the government's plan to introduce the Bill during the upcoming Assembly session, Lourenco said the move was “not in good taste” and maintained that there was no evidence or historical data to establish that forced religious conversions were taking place in Goa.

Lourenco said people belonging to different faiths had lived peacefully in the state for years and questioned the basis for bringing in a law without documented instances of forced conversions.

“There is no history or data proving that religious conversions are taking place in the state,” Lourenco said, stressing that individuals should have the freedom to choose their religion.

The MLA said he was firmly opposed to the proposed legislation and urged that Goa's tradition of religious harmony should not be disturbed by a measure that, in his view, lacked sufficient justification.

His remarks come ahead of the Assembly session, where the proposed anti-conversion Bill is expected to trigger political debate over religious freedom and the necessity of such legislation in Goa.