Bahá’ís of Canada Français

Egypt court allows Baha'is to obtain identity cards

Canadian Baha’is were pleased to learn this morning that a court in Egypt has made a ruling that allows Baha’is to apply for and receive their citizenship identity cards.

The government form had required Egyptian citizens to identify themselves as either Muslim, Christian or Jew, thus forcing members of other religions to either deny their religion or live without an identity card. The card is required for medical services, employment, and bank accounts, among other things. In this new ruling, Baha’is will not have to answer the question about their religion.

“We are very pleased with the court decision in Egypt, and will be watching closely to see how it is implemented.” said Karen McKye, Secretary General of the Baha’i Community of Canada.

To read the full Baha’i World News Service story, click here: “Egypt Court Upholds Baha’i Plea in Religious Freedom Cases” or visit http://news.bahai.org.