# Goa anti-religious conversion bill controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/goa-anti-religious-conversion-bill-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-31T06:53:10.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The Goa government initially planned to introduce the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026, during the legislative assembly session starting August 31. The cabinet-approved bill aimed to penalize religious conversions involving force, coercion, fraud, or marriage, with potential penalties including life imprisonment and significant fines.

However, during the monsoon session, the bill was removed from the Business List. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant decided not to introduce the legislation following strong objections from opposition parties and members within the ruling party. The assembly session also faced disruptions and the removal of several MLAs by marshals due to separate protests regarding land conversion issues.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Goa Legislative Assembly faces protests and bill withdrawal

The Goa Legislative Assembly faced protests over land conversion inquiries and the government's decision to drop a controversial anti-conversion bill during the monsoon session.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/goa-legislative-assembly-faces-protests-and-bill-withdrawal

### 2026-08-27: Goa government to table anti-religious conversion bill

The Goa government will table the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026, in the state assembly on August 31, proposing strict penalties including life imprisonment for unlawful forced's

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/goa-government-to-table-anti-religious-conversion-bill

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Cite as: Goa anti-religious conversion bill controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/goa-anti-religious-conversion-bill-controversy