Child conversion should only be done with consent of both parents - Nazri

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz said child conversion should only be done with the consent of both parents.

Disagreeing with a proposed child conversion legislation, he said that the bill was unfair to non-Muslims, as well as for only one parent to determine a child's religion.

"I will stand by the Cabinet's decision in 2009 not to allow unilateral conversion of minors of Islam.

"The constititution must be read as inclusive, not exclusive especially when it comes to religion," Nazri told reporters at Parliament's lobby today.

Nazri was commenting on the proposed amendment to Section 107(B) of the Administration of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013 to allow just one parent to convert children to Islam.

He added that it was his responsibility as a Muslim and a leader of the country to protect the minority and ensure their rights are protected.

Last Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had assured that all parties would be consulted before making any decision on the Bill.