Ohio judge: Runaway Christian convert doesn’t have to undergo mediation with Muslim parents
By APWednesday, December 23, 2009
Ohio judge: Runaway convert can avoid parents
COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio judge has ruled that a runaway Christian convert is not required to meet with her Muslim parents as part of a possible reconciliation plan.
Magistrate Mary Goodrich of Franklin County Juvenile Court on Tuesday denied the request of Mohamed and Aysha Bary to undergo mediation with 17-year-old Rifqa.
A case-management plan filed last month says the girl and her parents must listen to each other’s views about religion if they are to reunite.
But the plan, which is not a binding document, also notes the girl refuses to have contact with her parents or siblings.
Rifqa Bary ran away to Florida last summer, saying she fears her father would harm or kill her for leaving Islam.
Her father has denied the claim. A law enforcement investigation found no credible threats to the girl.
Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, www.dispatch.com
