URGENT PRESS STATEMENT:
WE APPEAL TO THE CHIEF MINISTER TO CONSIGN SUCH AN " ANTI-CONVERSION BILL" TO THE DUSTBIN OF HISTORY We have addressed an email communication to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, copy given below which is self-explanatory. The Minorities in Maharashtra are concerned with such a development and need an answer from the Chief Minister that there are no plans to introduce such an Anti-Minority Legislation in Maharashtra. warm regards, Dolphy D'souza 09820226227 ----- Original Message ----- From: Dolphy D'souza To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, July 03, 2013 11:20 PM Subject: We urge you Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra to consign such an " Anti-Conversion Bill" to the dustbin of history/. Hon'ble Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai 400 21. Kind Attn: Shri Prithviraj Chavan. Re: Is an Anti-Conversion Bill under consideration by your Maharashtra Government? Dear Respected Shri Prithviraj Chavanji, Greetings. It has been brought to our attention through reliable sources that there is move to introduce an Anti-Conversation Bill by your Government. First it was a total disbelief and then a shocking surprise if this is true, that a secular Government in the State of Maharashtra would ever think of introducing such a Bill which is anti-minority and against the Constitutional rights of a Minority. We are asking you a question Sir, Is this Anti-Conversion Bill happening?????? Need your response and clarifications. Just to refresh your memory: In 1996, BJP Legislator from Mumbai, Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha had introduced as a private member's bill under the name of 'The Maharashtra Dharma Swantantrya Adhiniyam[ Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act] but it did not see the light of the day. Than in April 2005, An Anti-Conversion Bill was proposed by the then Home Minister Shri Siddharam Mhetre of the Cong/ NCP combine but was struck down by the then Chief Minister, Late Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh. Shri Deshmukh's comments were telling:" There was no need for anti-conversion legislation as the existing laws had enough provisions". Sir, Such a legislation would not only be anti-minority but would increase the persecution of the Minorities. We therefore appeal to you to consign such an " Anti-Conversion Bill" to the dustbin of history. Look forward to your postive response. warm regards, Dolphy Dsouza - 9820226227 Former National Vice-President- All India Catholic Union & Immd. Past President- The Bombay Catholic Sabha 43, Kalina, Santacruz East, Mumbai 400 029. Email: [email protected]
