Changes

*[[Himachal Pradesh]]

*[[Himachal Pradesh]]

Apart from these five states, there are also plans to implement anti-conversion laws in two more states who want to follow the example set by the above - especially Gujatat: [[Arunachal Pradesh]] and [[Rajasthan]].<ref name=IACLTEFS/> Throughout the country, violent anti-Christian and anti-conversion campaigns by Hindu extremists continue. Joseph Augustine Charanakunnel, Archbishop of Raipur, the capital of the Indian state Chattisgarh, said "Hindu fundamentalists and local media accuse missionaries of forcing people to convert to Christianity. They carry out cheap anti-conversion propaganda, staging re-conversion ceremonies in which people are 'return' to Hinduism from Christianity. ... Hindu fundamentalists pick on Tribals because they are an easy target. For this reason, the Church has the duty of protecting these helpless people".<ref name=ACCHF>[http://www.asianews.it/index.php?art=3002&l=en Anti-conversion campaign by Hindu fundamentalists] ''Asianews.it''</ref>

Gujarat's success story has inspired many other states in India and two more states are seriously considering following suit: [[Arunachal Pradesh]] and [[Rajasthan]].<ref name=IACLTEFS/> Throughout the country, popular anti-conversion campaigns continue. Joseph Augustine Charanakunnel, Archbishop of Raipur, the capital of the Indian state Chattisgarh, said "Hindu fundamentalists and local media accuse missionaries of forcing people to convert to Christianity. They carry out cheap anti-conversion propaganda, staging re-conversion ceremonies in which people are 'return' to Hinduism from Christianity. ... Hindu fundamentalists pick on Tribals because they are an easy target. For this reason, the Church has the duty of protecting these helpless people".<ref name=ACCHF>[http://www.asianews.it/index.php?art=3002&l=en Anti-conversion campaign by Hindu fundamentalists] ''Asianews.it''</ref>

Rev. Dr. Dominic Emmanuel, spokesman of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese, said "There is absolutely no truth in the allegation that Christians use unfair means to convert the poor and Dalits to Christianity". He added, "These [anti-conversion] laws have a negative social impact on Christians, as people try to ostracize the Christian community whose only purpose to them seems to be to convert, thereby belittling all the social work the community does for the masses. Christian workers are prevented from reaching out to the needy, who too will continue to suffer".<ref name=IACLTEFS/>

Rev. Dr. Dominic Emmanuel, spokesman of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese, said "There is absolutely no truth in the allegation that Christians use unfair means to convert the poor and Dalits to Christianity". He added, "These [anti-conversion] laws have a negative social impact on Christians, as people try to ostracize the Christian community whose only purpose to them seems to be to convert (which may not be too far from the truth in India), thereby belittling all the social work the community does for the masses (Dr. Emmanuel hypocritically forgets the most famous and officially feted and recognized "Catholic Saint" fron Calcutta - Mother Theresa). Christian workers are prevented from reaching out to the needy, who too will continue to suffer".<ref name=IACLTEFS/>

The International Religious Freedom Report 2007 by the [[U.S. Department of State]] expressed concern over the wave of anti-conversion laws enacted in several Indian states saying:<ref name=USSTATEDEPARTMENT2007>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90228.htm International Religious Freedom Report 2007: India] ''[[U.S. Department of State]]''</ref>

The International Religious Freedom Report 2007 by the [[U.S. Department of State]] expressed concern over the wave of anti-conversion laws enacted in several Indian states saying:<ref name=USSTATEDEPARTMENT2007>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90228.htm International Religious Freedom Report 2007: India] ''[[U.S. Department of State]]''</ref>