A controversial new law restricting religious conversions in India's southern Tamil Nadu state evoked mixed reaction over the weekend.
Thousands participated in Saturday marches, organized by Christian and Muslim protestors, demanding repeal of the law, which had just been enacted by the state government. Although in theory the law bans conversions motivated by "fraud, force, or allurement," minority religious leaders fear that it will be used to restrain any conversions. The protestors argued that the new law was designed to "appease the saffron [Hindu fundamentalist] brigade."
Several Hindu groups staged a counter-demonstration on Sunday, organizing a "thanksgiving rally" to praise the state government for the "bold and timely" legislation. The rally also called for penalties against the Christian and Muslim leaders who had threatened to protest the new law by shutting down their schools.