Tunisia Knocks Down Sharia Law, But...

Please read From 2011 Revolution to a New Constitution, by Katey Hearth, at Mission Network News.







"The birthplace of the Arab Spring is taking another major step toward democracy. Tunisia has signed a new constitution, henceforth dividing executive authority and removing Sharia law as the main source of legislation. Seen as a major step in Tunisia’s progress toward democracy, the new constitution was adopted by a majority vote. Along with dividing power between Tunisia’s Prime Minister and President, the new constitution gives equal rights to men and women.

"Some concerns remain for Tunisian Christians, though, according to Open Doors USA. The ruling document declares Islam as the official religion of Tunisia, and ambiguous wording could lead to problems.

"The new constitution separates Sharia law from the law of the land, but it also appoints the government as “the guardian of religion” and “protector of the sacred.” Some groups fear that this wording is too open to individual interpretation.

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