Japan's Lower House has passed a bill that would regulate donations to religious entities. They include the controversial group formerly known as the Unification Church. The bill has been sent to the Upper House and is expected to be enacted on Saturday.

The vote was held in a Lower House plenary session on Thursday. The new legislation would ban religious entities from soliciting donations by inciting anxiety among followers and implying they have a spiritual obligation to do so.

Violators could be punished with up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 1 million yen, or about 7,300 dollars.

The legislation also requires entities to consider whether their solicitation practices negatively impact the free will of individuals or their ability to maintain their daily lives. This was added after opposition lawmakers asked that the bill ban donations that are made under the influence of so-called mind control.

The draft was revised to allow authorities to reveal the names of religious entities that do not fulfill their obligation to make such considerations.

The bill was approved with majority support from the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, as well as the Constitutional Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party, the Democratic Party for the People and other lawmakers.

The Japanese Communist Party opposed, saying the legislation cannot adequately address donations from followers who are psychologically manipulated and would not offer enough relief or prevent damage. Reiwa Shinsengumi also voted against the bill.