Panaji, August 27, 2026: Former Goa Minister and ex-MLA Francisco Xavier “Mickky” Pacheco has strongly criticised the Goa State Cabinet’s approval of the proposed anti-conversion bill, calling it a “divisive” measure that could create fear and tension among communities.
In a statement, Pacheco said the proposed legislation, which is expected to be introduced during the upcoming Legislative Assembly session, could be misused to harass members of minority communities. He particularly raised concerns over the proposed heavy fines and imprisonment provisions.
Pacheco argued that Goa has a long-standing tradition of communal harmony, with people of different faiths participating in each other’s religious and cultural traditions.
He warned that loosely drafted provisions could potentially lead to false allegations and intimidation at religious places, saying the legislation could damage the state’s “open-door tradition” and the close social relationships shared by Goans across communities.
The former minister also criticised Catholic MLAs and ministers in the BJP-led government who, he alleged, had remained silent on various issues but were now making statements against the proposed legislation.
Pacheco further referred to previous cases involving religious preachers, including Domnic and Joan Ministries, claiming that arrests made over alleged illegal conversions were followed by clean chits when the allegations did not stand up in court.
He questioned the need for a new stringent law and alleged that the proposed legislation could be used to create suspicion and division among Goans.
“Goa’s identity is built on mutual respect and shared culture,” Pacheco said, condemning the proposed law and urging that the state’s communal harmony be protected.
The proposed bill is expected to come before the Goa Legislative Assembly in its upcoming session, where its provisions are likely to come under scrutiny and debate.
