U.S. Expresses Concerns Over Forced Conversion Bill in Sri Lanka

July 15, 2005

Source: The Christian Post

http://www.christianpost.com/article/missions/1699/section/uscirf.expresses.concern.over.sri.lankas.forced.conversion.bill/1.htm

On July 15, 2005 The Christian Post reported, "The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expressed concern Wednesday about a proposed pending legislation in Sri Lanka and the climate of inter-religious conflict and intolerance emerging in the predominantly Buddhist nation. The parliamentary bill addressing forced religious conversions reemerged this year in the wake of December’s tsunami that devastated parts of South Asia and as religious tensions escalated following unspecified and unconfirmed reports relating to alleged methods of distributing aid. If enacted, the bill would fall short of international standards with regard to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief."