Bengaluru Archbishop Calls for Statewide Rally to Demand Repeal of Anti-Conversion Law

BENGALURU, November 7, 2026: Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru has called on Christians across Karnataka to join a peaceful rally in Bengaluru on November 12, demanding the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, commonly known as the anti-conversion law.

In a letter issued on November 7, the Archbishop invited priests, religious and lay faithful to assemble at Freedom Park between 10 am and 2 pm. The rally is being organised by the Association of Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKUCFHR), with members of other minority communities also expected to participate.

The demonstration comes ahead of the winter session of the Karnataka Legislature, scheduled to be held in Belagavi from December 2 to 11.

Church seeks fulfilment of Congress promise

Archbishop Machado recalled that the Congress had promised in its election manifesto to repeal the anti-conversion legislation introduced by the previous BJP-led government in 2022. He said Christians and other minority groups had repeatedly urged the government to honour that commitment, which had also been reaffirmed by senior Congress leaders.

Expressing disappointment over the delay of more than three years, he acknowledged that the government had initially faced difficulties securing the necessary support in the Legislative Council. However, he said the present political situation provided an opportunity to fulfil its promise.

He urged the government to repeal the legislation in its entirety before or during the forthcoming winter session, stressing that political will was now needed to translate its assurance into action.

Concerns over religious freedom

The 2022 legislation regulates religious conversions and prescribes penalties for conversions allegedly carried out through force, fraud, coercion, undue influence or inducement.

Christian organisations have consistently opposed the law, arguing that its provisions could be misused against religious minorities and undermine constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. Supporters, however, maintain that such legislation is necessary to prevent conversions through coercion and deception.

The Church's demand is for the complete withdrawal of the legislation rather than amendments to its provisions.

Appeals for solidarity among minorities

The Archbishop also highlighted the contribution of Christian institutions to the country's development, particularly in education, healthcare and social welfare, including services for economically disadvantaged and marginalised communities.

He called on the government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting minority rights and addressing concerns over legislation that, according to the organisers, affects the constitutional freedoms of minority communities.

The rally will also draw attention to other laws that minority organisations consider discriminatory or unjust, with organisers seeking broader solidarity among religious communities.

Parish priests asked to mobilise participation

Archbishop Machado has requested parish priests and pastors to announce the rally during Sunday services on November 8 and encourage the faithful to participate.

He urged Christians and members of other minority communities to gather peacefully at Freedom Park and make their concerns heard through democratic means.

The demonstration is expected to provide minority representatives an opportunity to press the state government to honour its commitment to repeal the anti-conversion law ahead of the Belagavi legislative session.

By Catholic Connect Reporter