Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Religion & Law Blogs -> Religion Clause

Religion & Law

: Religion Clause

Moves Seek Return of 17-Year Old Convert To Ohio

By Howard M. Friedman

Extensive press attention has been given to the case of 17-year old Rifqa Bary who last month fled her home near Columbus, Ohio after converting from Islam to Christianity. A Florida court ordered that Rifqa remain in temporary foster care with the Christian family with whom she has been placed while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates her allegations that her father threatened to kill her because of her conversion. (See prior posting.) Now, however, it appears that Ohio authorities would like Rifqa returned to their jurisdiction. A spokesperson for Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said on Friday that the Governor believes the case should be handled by Ohio authorities. (AP) In what appears the first step toward obtaining Rifqa's return to Ohio, her parents filed a complaint in court in Columbus, Ohio charging Rifqa with being incorrigible. (UPI). The complaint says that Rifqa cut school and disappeared from home before fleeing by bus to Florida.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on September 13, 2009 (boomark / email).