An Iraqi court’s recent ruling allows a woman to change her religious status to “Christian” in the national database, and may set a legal precedent benefiting religious minorities.
Maryam (name changed for security) had been automatically designated a Muslim in Iraq’s national database after her mother married a Muslim while Maryam was still a minor. Alliance Defending Freedom International, which supported her case, noted Maryam’s childhood household was Christian prior to her mother’s remarriage.
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Iraq’s National Card Law states that minor children must be registered under the “religion of the parent who has converted to Islam.”
In January 2025, as an adult, Maryam sought court intervention to change her registration to Christian, and the court ruled in her favor in May 2026, ADF International reported.
“The court’s decision affirms her right to choose her religion and have it accurately reflected in the government’s database.”
Appeal
The state likely will appeal the decision.
ADF International reported that having a religious designation either inaccurate or assigned can cause complications, such as putting non-Muslims under jurisdiction of Sharia (Islamic law) court.
World Watch
Iraq is No. 18 on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List of the 50 places most difficult to be a Christian.
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