The draft law on religious conversion, one of four proposed laws on interfaith marriage, was published in all state-run newspapers on May 27 except the English-language New Light of Myanmar.

The notice, which covers more than a page, invites members of the public to sent their suggestions to the draft committee at the Supreme Court office in Nay Pyi Taw before June 20.

The draft law on religious conversion is divided into seven chapters, the first of which defines religion as "the belief in and worship of personal gods or gods" and says anyone wishing to change their religion must apply to a registration team of their free will.

The second chapter outlines the composition of the registration teams to be formed in each township to interview applicants seeking to change their religion.  The draft says they shall be composed of the chair of the township religious affairs office, and include representatives from the township's immigration and national identification department, administration department and women's affairs organisation, education staff and two elders nominated by the township administration office.

The procedure for issuing a certificate for those whose application to change their religion is approved is outlined in the third chapter and fourth lists the rights and responsibilities of the convert.

Prohibitions are outlined in the fifth chapter and include a provision that no one must hinder or disturb a person's conversion. The sixth chapter says anyone convicted of violating the prohibitions outlined in the previous chapter will be liable to a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a fine of K200,000.

The seventh chapter concerns miscellaneous matters.

The notice refers to a letter sent to the parliament by President U Thein Sein on February 25 in which he proposed that it discuss four laws on interfaith marriage.

Apart from religious conversion, the other proposed laws concern marriage, monogamy and the population rate.