Goa, a state in India, came close to adopting a law restricting religious conversions. The 2026 Illegal Religious Conversion Prohibition Bill was approved by the state government in August 2026 but was removed from the agenda before it could be presented to the Legislative Assembly. Christian leaders and civil society groups welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for further dialogue and noting a lack of evidence of a widespread problem of forced conversions.
The proposed bill outlined penalties that could include imprisonment for cases of conversion carried out by force, coercion, fraud, undue influence, or marriage. It also set fines and financial compensation for alleged victims up to about 5,200 USD and required anyone seeking to change religion to submit a formal declaration to the district judge at least 60 days in advance, asserting the voluntary nature of the decision. Even among government supporters, legislators raised concerns about potential impacts on freedom of conscience and social harmony in Goa.
If the proposal returns to the agenda, local experts note that existing laws already address fraud, intimidation, and coercion. Local Christian leaders continue to monitor the situation, fearing that a broader law could increase scrutiny, accusations, and pressure on religious minorities and church leaders, especially ahead of India’s 2027 elections.
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