In Egypt, debate over religious affiliation on ID cards continues

Identity cards in Egypt currently feature a section which indicates religious affiliation; citizens can choose either Christianity, Islam, or Judaism. Wataninet.com reported last week that the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) suggested that the religion box should be deleted from the visible portion of the card and that the information should only be seen while accessing the card’s magnetic strip. Only specialized staff should be able to access this information.

Fouad Riyad, NCHR member and professor of international law, said that “people like Bahai’s were deprived of having birth certificates or IDs unless they agreed to be cited as belonging to one of the three heavenly religions since the State did not recognize any other religion”.

According to the article, Hossam Baghat, the director of the NGO Egyptian initiative for personal rights, highlighted another side of the issue. According to the article, Baghat stated that the ID cards must be discussed within the current political context, “taking into consideration the current rise in sectarian tension”. He went on to say that “many see that rights granted to non-Muslims represent a discount of Muslim rights, with the government ‘spoiling’ non-Muslims in response to international pressure”. He suggested the religion box should be optional.

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Mock tourism video advertisement highlights discrimination based on religion in Egypt

All Egyptian citizens are required to register their religious affiliation on a computerized national ID card, without which basic services are impossible to access. However, applicants can only choose from three religions: Islam, Christianity, or Judaism. Baha’is and other minority groups are excluded from obtaining the required cards. The ID cards have since sparked much controversy and several unsuccessful lawsuits to change the discriminatory ID card restrictions.

A recent You Tube video highlights the problem for Egypt’s religious minorities in a mock tourism ad. To view the video, click here.

Click here for more background information about ID cards in Egypt.