Panaji, July 15 (IANS) After Goa's oldest church, other churches in the state could soon follow suit and impose a rigid dress code for tourists visiting their premises.


Fr Francisco Caldeira, a spokesperson for the Goa Archibishop, told IANS that the example set by Goa's 450-year-old church, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, in setting up a dress code was the way to go.

"It is true that other churches like the Se Cathedral will follow suit. The church will take all this into account," Caldeira said.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is part of several churches, including the Se Cathedral, both located in the former Portuguese city of Goa, today called Old Goa.

Thousands of tourists flock to these churches every day as part of guided tours that often include trips to the local beaches in the vicinity.

Last week, the Basilica officials said indecently dressed tourists who came to the church premises would be asked to wear shawls provided by the church authorities in order to cover themselves up. Goa has more than 100 churches.

In June, the 450-year-old Mahalsa Narayani temple in Ponda, 30 km from here, banned the entry of foreigners after they were found 'inappropriately dressed' or even kissing inside the temple.

Another popular temple at Mangueshi, near Ponda, has also imposed dress restrictions on people visiting the temple premises for 'propriety' reasons.