AlMasry AlYoum on Sunday published an abridged version of the document titled "Basic Constitutional Principles" which Egypt's deputy prime minister for political affairs has presented to several political parties for their comment. (See
prior related posting.) In outlining the suggested role for religion and religious freedom, the document reads in part:
Islam is the state religion, the Arabic language is its official language, and Islamic Sharia is the primary source of legislation. Non-Muslims resort to their own laws in regards to their personal issues and religious affairs.....
Human dignity is every person’s genuine right, and all Egyptian citizens are free and equal before the law in rights and freedoms and general obligations. Discrimination among them due to sex, origin, language, religion, creeds, wealth, social status, political views, or disabilities or anything of that sort is forbidden.
...The state guarantees freedom of belief, worship, and religious slogans and protects the role of worship.
