Goa government to table anti-religious conversion bill

The Goa government plans to table the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026, during the upcoming legislative assembly session starting August 31. The bill, which has been approved by the state cabinet, aims to penalize religious conversions allegedly conducted through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraud, or marriage.

Under the proposed legislation, offenders could face life imprisonment and fines of at least Rs 50,000, along with compensation of up to Rs 5 lakh for victims. The bill also includes provisions to declare marriages void if they are found to have been performed solely for the purpose of religious conversion. Religious leaders, including Hindu priests and Muslim clerics, could face a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Stricter penalties are outlined for the unlawful conversion of minors, women, persons with disabilities, or members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Such cases could result in rigorous imprisonment ranging from five to 14 years and a minimum fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that discussions regarding the bill will take place within the state assembly. The move has faced opposition from parties including Congress and AAP, as well as independent lawmakers, who expressed concerns that the legislation could lead to communal disharmony.