India approves new anti-conversion law that worries Christian minorities

The Indian state of Maharashtra recently passed a new law known as the “Freedom of Religion Bill 2026,” legislation that has generated concern among Christian organizations, human rights groups, and religious freedom advocates.

The legislation was promoted by the state government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which claims the law aims to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions. However, various Christian organizations argue that the provisions are too broad and ambiguous, which could facilitate arbitrary accusations against pastors, evangelists, and people involved in religious activities.

The law prohibits conversions obtained through “coercion,” “fraud,” “undue influence,” or “attraction,” a term that includes promises of financial assistance, free education, employment, or marriage. Critics assert that these definitions could be used to criminalize humanitarian work and social activities carried out by Christian churches.

Several religious leaders have warned that the legislation could increase hostility toward Christian minorities in a country already rife with religious tensions. Maharashtra thus became the thirteenth Indian state to adopt similar anti-conversion laws. International organizations such as Christian Solidarity Worldwide have warned of the potential negative impact on freedom of conscience and religion guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

In recent years, Hindu nationalist groups have frequently accused Christian churches and missionaries of promoting illegal conversions, especially in rural areas and vulnerable communities. Christian communities, which represent a small minority in India, report an increase in threats, arrests, and attacks against places of worship.

The passage of this law once again places the debate on religious freedom at the center of the country’s political and social discourse.