Untouchables Convert Out Of Hinduism

Thousands of low-caste Hindus converted to Buddhism and Christianity in protest against new laws in several Indian states that make such changes of religion difficult. Now anyone planning to leave Hinduism must obtain certificates from officials and affidavits from courts stating they are converting out of free will and not by inducements.

Buddhist monks and Christian priests administered religious vows in separate ceremonies to about 10,000 Dalits, the politically correct name for those called "untouchables" in the past. Though caste discrimination is outlawed and the government has reserved quotas in educational institutions and government jobs for Dalits, they still face social discrimination in many parts of India and even violence from higher caste groups.

More than 16% of India's 1.1-billion population are Dalits, who occupy the lowest rank in a 3,000-year-old Hindu caste system. Hindus form 80% of secular India's population, Muslims more than 13% and Christians less than 3%. Religious minorities such as Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis make up the rest.

If you can convert your way out of being an untouchable, what took these people so long? Seems like a no-brainer to me.