Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Washington Post article on the Baha'is in Egypt

For those of you who don't know, the Baha'is in Egypt are unable to receive identity cards because they refuse to lie about what religion they are. Therefore they are having significant difficulty getting jobs and basic services

In any event, there is a new story in the Washington Post that you can read to understand the issue better. Here is the lead in and a link:

Baha'is in Egypt fight for recognition as people

By Cynthia Johnston
Reuters

Tuesday, February 20, 2007; 10:08 PM

CAIRO (Reuters) - If Egyptian dentist Raouf Hindy would only deny his Baha'i faith, he could get his children the identity documents they need to enrol in Egyptian schools and later to marry, drive a car or open a bank account.

But Hindy has insisted on telling the truth.

His decision has thrust him to the forefront of a legal battle over Egypt's identity politics by Baha'is, who are seen as heretics by many Muslims and whose faith is not recognized by the state.... Read the Article >