Further to our article on 27 August (Nepal’s proposed constitutional amendments would make Christianity illegal), lawmakers voted on Monday for Nepal to remain secular, thus protecting minority religions from persecution. Following this vote, bombs exploded at two different churches in Jhapa district in eastern Nepal, according to the Kathmandu Post. There were no casualties but the churches suffered damage. Police said investigations into the blasts were under way. Despite this week’s vote for secularism, the draft constitution still includes the statement that the state will safeguard ‘Sanatan Dharma’ - often used as an alternative term to describe Hinduism. Christian leaders have also expressed concern about the provisions targeting religious conversions and proselytising. Nevertheless, this week’s vote represents a step forward, considering politicians had recently raised the possibility of removing secularism altogether.