Archbishop of Bengaluru Rev. Dr. Peter Machado has urged the Karnataka government to completely repeal the state's anti-conversion law, rejecting proposals to merely dilute its provisions. He called on the Congress government to honour its election manifesto commitment and withdraw the legislation during the upcoming winter session of the state legislature in Belagavi.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Bengaluru alongside representatives of minority, Dalit and farmers' organisations, Machado argued that amending the law would not address the fear and intimidation allegedly experienced by targeted communities. Comparing partial amendments to leaving a snake in a room after removing its teeth, he insisted that the legislation must be repealed in its entirety.
The Archbishop pointed out that the law was enacted in 2022 under the previous BJP government, while the current Congress administration had promised to withdraw it after coming to power. He said the government had earlier cited a lack of legislative strength as an obstacle, but now had the numbers required to repeal the legislation.
Machado also revealed that discussions with government representatives had included suggestions to soften certain provisions to reduce their impact on vulnerable communities. However, he rejected this approach, arguing that the legislation should be scrapped rather than amended.
Other Demands Raised by Civil Society Groups
The press conference also brought together civil society organisations calling for stronger safeguards against communal polarisation. The delegation demanded the introduction of a stringent hate speech law to address vilification and targeted attacks against marginalised communities.
The groups also called for the complete repeal of Karnataka's anti-cow slaughter law, arguing that it has placed a financial burden on dairy farmers and rural communities. Machado said maintaining unproductive and ageing cattle was economically difficult for farmers, while existing shelters were insufficient to address the problem.
The delegation argued that repealing the law would provide relief to farmers and communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock, including Dalit and minority groups.
The demands come as the Karnataka government faces renewed calls from civil society organisations to act on its electoral promises during the forthcoming Belagavi legislative session.
Comments