Rifqa Bary & Her Parents’ Right To Form Her Religious Education

This thoughtful blog update is presented by Beatriz Suzuki, current Family Law student and Regent Law 2L:

How much control do parents have in the religious formation of their children? The United States is founded on religious freedom, and that freedom is afforded constitutional protection as a fundamental right.   Furthermore, parents have the right to guide, lead, and determine their children's upbringing and education, including their religious formation. Nonetheless, a line is also drawn between religious belief and practice, or conduct that might harm children. The story of Rifqa Barry, featured here at FamilyRestoration previously, highlights these principles, and illustrates how they work in daily life.

Rifqa Bary immigrated with her family to the United States from Sri Lanka when she was a small child, and her upbringing was based on a stringent branch of Islam practiced by her parents. In 2009, her story was headlined, as the teen fled her parents' home upon her conversion from Islam to Christianity. In accordance with Islamic law, upon learning of her conversion, Bary's parents intended to send her back to Sri Lanka to enforce an 'honor killing;' as a result her parents lost the legal battle for her return home, and Bary found refuge under the government's wing of caring for children through a foster care placement.

It is essential to note that Bary's parents had the absolute freedom to raise their children under their Islamic faith, but the long-standing American principle that parents must act in the best interests of their children starts with protecting their lives.  Government officials stepped in when evidence of abuse was reported and threats to Bary's life were made.  She continued to live under court protection in state foster care for the remainder of her childhood.  And despite her tumultuous childhood, Bary managed to graduate as valedictorian of her high school.

As an adult, she went on to earn a degree in philosophy.  Today she serves as a Christian evangelist, and a published author with her new book entitled Hiding in the Light: Why I Risked Everything to Leave Islam and Follow Jesus.  Bary is now twenty-seven years old, and she still regularly speaks about her journey in inspirational conferences.

Family restoration begins with parents protecting their children in a manner that protects their lives, their safety and their religious freedom.  To learn more read Tracing the Foundations of the Best Interests of the Child Standard in American Jurisprudence.