In tune with the ruling BJP's promise in their election manifesto, a Bill to prevent religious conversion in the state would be taken up for discussion in the Gujarat Assembly on March 26. The Freedom of Religion Bill, modelled on a similar Act adopted in Tamil Nadu, was tabled in the Assembly on Saturday.
The Bill seeks to prevent religious conversion by force or allurement, and provides for three-year imprisonment and fine of Rs 50,000 for any religious conversions in the state.
The Freedom of Religion Bill seeks to make it mandatory to secure the District Magistrate's prior permission for any religious conversion in the state.
The Bill also provides for an imprisonment of one year and a fine of Rs 1,000 even if the conversion is found to be in order but without the prior permission of the DM. It states that such law is necessary to prevent the exploitation of innocent Dalits, who have been forced or lured into other religions by vested interests.
Earlier in the day, the House witnessed noisy scenes over the 'meat export' issue. The Congress legislators walked out over the issue after a Congress MLA, Paresh Dhanani, was suspended from the House for the day for protesting loudly.
Raising the issue during the discussion on budgetary demand for agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries departments, Congress MLA Gova Rabari alleged that the government has invested Rs 400 crore in export of meat, including beef.
Junior home minister Amitbhai Shah objected to it and demanded the Congressman should divulge the source of the information or take his statement back.
Leader of Opposition Amar-sinh Chaudhary said the MLA would not take back the statement as no unparliamentary words had been used and the Opposition was not bound to divulge the source. As the Speaker asked the legislator to divulge the source, Congress leaders staged a walkout.