Apostasy bill would require death for leaving Islam

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan. — A new draft bill before a committee of Pakistan’s National Assembly would require men who leave Islam to be put to death. Women convicted of "apostasy" would be sentenced to life in prison.

Under the Apostasy Act 2006, the testimony of two adults that another person has left the Muslim religion — or a confession by the accused — is all that would be needed for conviction if the bill is adopted into law.

The accused would be given up to 30 days to renounce the decision and return to Islam, yet even then still could be punished by up to two years in prison.

All property belonging to an offender would be forfeited to Muslim relatives as well as custody of their children.