Christian Woman Wins Religious Identity Case in Iraq

An Iraqi court has ruled in favor of Maryam, a young Christian woman who sought to have her religious status corrected in a state database. The authorities had automatically registered her as a Muslim under Iraqi law, despite her having grown up in a Christian family.

The change followed her mother's separation from her father and subsequent marriage to a Muslim man. Under Article 26 of the Iraqi National Card Law, minor children automatically adopt the religion of a parent who converts to Islam.

Upon reaching the age of majority in January 2025, Maryam filed a lawsuit to have her Christian faith officially recognized. The court upheld her claim. ADF International, which supported the case, described the ruling as an important precedent for religious minorities in the Middle East.

"Everyone has the fundamental right to choose and live according to their religion", said Kelsey Zorzi, the organization's director.

The case also drew attention to the practice of state-determined religion across parts of the Middle East and Asia, where incorrect or imposed religious designations can affect education, marriage, inheritance and court proceedings. The ruling has yet to be reviewed by Iraq's Supreme Court of Cassation.

(adfinternational, bak)