According to the Australian Prayer network, Nepali Christians fear that amendments to the new constitution, likely to come into effect after seven years of parliamentary discussions, could render all Christian activity illegal. Attempting to convert someone to another religion is already prohibited in Nepal, but the proposed amendments would mean that anything perceived as ‘evangelistic’ could be punishable by law and pave the way for an ‘anti-conversion clause’ in the penal code, resulting in prison sentences or hefty fines for offenders. Meanwhile on Monday the government enforced a curfew and sent the army to the west of Nepal after demonstrators armed with spears and axes clashed with police, killing at least eight of them, during escalating protests against the proposed new constitution. The charter was meant to draw a line under centuries of inequality, but the draft presented in parliament on Sunday sparked fury among marginalised communities, who say the new borders will limit their political representation.
Nepal: Constitutional amendments could make Christianity illegal
Written by Linda Digby 27 Aug 2015Additional Info
- Pray: for clear guidelines as to what constitutes an ‘act to convert’ and for equal rights for all. (Ps.12:5)
- More: www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/24/police-officers-killed-nepal-constitution-protests