Release International

Almost 23,000 Christians have signed a petition calling on Sri Lanka to drop plans for an anti-conversion law that would pose a direct threat to the Christian gospel.

The petition, organised by Release International, has been handed in to the Sri Lankan High Commission in London. 22,918 signatures were gathered, reflecting growing concern that the proposed law could severely restrict outreach and charity activities and result in legal actions against Christians.

Release International, which supports the persecuted church worldwide, says there is worrying evidence of increasing acts of violence and intimidation against Christians in Sri Lanka. There have been upwards of 160 attacks against Christian churches in the past two years. More than 140 churches have been forced to close.

The petition also warns of the consequences if the proposed Prohibition of Forced Conversions Bill or the Freedom of Religion Bill become law. Either law may be used to restrict conversion and intimidate Christians and other minorities. Legislation could also label all acts of charity by Christian groups or individuals as attempts to convert Sri Lankans to Christianity.

The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka warn: 'This proposed legislation will go way beyond its declared purpose of "protecting religious freedom" of all religious groups. It will enforce limitations on religious freedom, legitimise violence and the harassment of minority religious groups and further de-fragment our already divided society.

'At a time when we as a nation are struggling to recover from the cataclysmic effects of the Tsunami, such a move by the government to impose a potentially volatile law that is restrictive of human rights and individual freedom, and which legitimises oppressing citizens of minority religions is, in our opinion, untimely.'

Release International believes the legislation fails to safeguard against false accusations being levelled against Christians and church workers. RI 'and the thousands who signed the petition' are calling on the government of Sri Lanka to protect its citizens' basic human rights of conscience and freedom of religion as guaranteed under Sri Lanka's Constitution.

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