ALEXANDRIA, Egypt — A Christian mother in Egypt has won custody of her twin sons from her estranged husband, who had converted to Islam and claimed them according to Islamic legal precepts. The now 15-year-old boys, however, will still be considered Muslims despite their desire to remain Christian.
On June 15, the Egyptian Court of Cassation ruled that Kamilia Gaballah could retain custody of her sons Andrew and Mario, even though the father converted to Islam and the boys’ religion also changed as a result.
The decision overturns a September 2008 ruling by the appeals court in Alexandria that had granted custody of the twins to their father, Medhat Ramses Labib, due solely to his conversion.
If the court does not allow them to return to Christianity, then the family will open up another court case, said George Medhat Ramses, the boys’ older brother. “Up until now, the court said they would have the right to choose their faith,” said Ramses, 21. “But if they don’t, we will start another trial. This is the only way.”
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