Religion in Egypt

The government crackdown in Egypt against the Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters has succeeded in sidelining political Islam for the time being. But it could also be setting the stage for a more violent response from supporters.

Egypt’s efforts to forge a new constitution have largely been stymied to date. The first version was thrown out by the courts as not reflective of the country’s diversity. Now, a new assembly is trying to write a new one, but encountering resistance from Egyptians who don’t like what’s in this latest document.

As the democratic process in Egypt winds up, Coptic Christians find themselves facing a number of restrictions and proclamations that would leave them with fewer rights than they already have. They’re worried that the newly empowered Islamists will force them to pay special taxes or wear veils not called for by their religion.

While Egypt’s new president, Mohammed Mursi, is being credited with reforms, a certain segment of the population is not at all happy: Coptic Christians. They accuse the government of not doing enough to protect their minority community.

Coptic Christians in Egypt had a degree of protection during the reign of Hosni Mubarak, but now that Islamist parties dominate the new parliament, Egypt’s Copts are feeling increasingly vulnerable.