A lot of more liberal parents turn a blind eye to their kids having relationships with non-Muslims thinking it won’t last or isn’t serious but then when it develops into engagement they insist on making it ‘legitimate’, not saying it’s right or anthing tho. My own dad did the same thing when I first started out with my other half..
The article doesn’t say they want him to convert only cos they’re scared of offending the community, am sure it’s a mixture of their own wishes as well as that.