§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether the proposed Anti Conversion Bill in Sri Lanka constitutes an infringement of religious liberty; and if he will make a statement. [179345]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienA member of the Sri Lankan Parliament has gazetted a motion expressing his intention to request that Parliament bring in an Anti Conversion Bill. We understand that this is to be an anti-unethical conversion bill. Freedom of religion is enshrined in the Sri Lankan Constitution, which states that every person is entitled to the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his or her choice. As no bill has yet been drafted, we are unable to assess at this stage whether such a bill would contravene Sri Lanka's international obligations.
We condemn all instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief, wherever they happen and whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned. We urge all states to pursue laws and practices which foster tolerance and mutual respect and protect religious minorities from discrimination.