The so-called ‘love jihad’ laws that many Indian states hope to pass after Uttar Pradesh’s ordinance, aim to stop Muslim men from marrying Hindu women after converting them. Ironically enough, the same laws may help India become a lifetime member of an exclusive club of Muslim-dominated countries, that consider it their moral responsibility to police love between interfaith couples.

Many of these countries have religion integrated into their Constitution. This makes the case for India, which is a secular republic, more stark.