NEPAL, September 26, 2015 (Charisma News): HPI Note: this is a Christian News source.
Nepal approved a new constitution earlier this month, declaring the formerly Hindu nation to be a secular country, which ignited rejoicing for Christians anxious to evangelize. “[The] gospel will be spreading fast because [the] new constitution declares that every human [can] believe in God as they like,” says Pastor Dhan Lama of Good News Church in Nepal. Before the constitution passed, Christians fretted over the potential consequences of a new governing document.
Article 31(3) states that “any act to convert another person from one religion to another, or any act or behavior to undermine or jeopardize the religion of another [will be] punishable by law,” Charisma News previously reported. Christians fear this will pave the way for an “anti-conversion clause” to be written into the penal code, which could result in prison sentences or hefty fines for “offenders.” Lama says the clause deals with forced conversions; anyone who converts out of his or her own free will will not be subject to punishment.