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cbayer

(146,218 posts)
Tue Jul 22, 2014, 11:32 AM Jul 2014

In 30 countries, heads of state must belong to a certain religion

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/07/22/in-30-countries-heads-of-state-must-belong-to-a-certain-religion/

JULY 22, 2014

In 30 countries, heads of state must belong to a certain religion

BY ANGELINA THEODOROULEAVE A COMMENT

Most countries with religious requirements for heads of state are in the Middle East and North Africa



A new Pew Research analysis finds that 30 of the world’s countries (15%) belong to a unique group of nations that call for their heads of state to have a particular religious affiliation. From monarchies to republics, candidates (including descendants of royal monarchies) in these countries must belong to a specific religious group.

This list includes Lebanon, which requires its president to be a member of the Maronite Christian Church. On Wednesday, Lebanon’s parliament will make a ninth attempt since May at filling the office.

List of countries where the law requires a head of state to be of a certain religion.More than half of the countries with religion-related restrictions on their heads of state (17) maintain that the office must be held by a Muslim. In Jordan, for example, the heir to the throne must be a Muslim child of Muslim parents. In Tunisia, any Muslim male or female voter born in the country may qualify as a candidate for president. Malaysia, Pakistan and Mauritania also restrict their heads of state to Muslim citizens.

Two countries, Lebanon and Andorra, require their heads of state to have a Christian affiliation. Lebanon also has a religious requirement of its prime minister, who must be a Sunni Muslim.

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In 30 countries, heads of state must belong to a certain religion (Original Post) cbayer Jul 2014 OP
They left out the UK. rug Jul 2014 #1
The distinction appears to be that the position is ceremonial in the UK cbayer Jul 2014 #3
Ceremonial? CBGLuthier Jul 2014 #9
The article makes a distinction. Whether it is legitimate or just cbayer Jul 2014 #10
I wonder why they left the UK off the list? CBGLuthier Jul 2014 #2
See response #3 above. cbayer Jul 2014 #4
Titular is different from actual. enlightenment Jul 2014 #5
I'll believe that the US doesn't also belong on that list when I see a non-WASP/C AtheistCrusader Jul 2014 #6
It will happen in your lifetime. cbayer Jul 2014 #7
Andorra is an odd duck. The heads of state are always a Catholic bishop and the President of France. pinto Jul 2014 #8
Indeed. Igel Jul 2014 #11

cbayer

(146,218 posts)
3. The distinction appears to be that the position is ceremonial in the UK
Tue Jul 22, 2014, 11:47 AM
Jul 2014
In addition to the 30 countries in this analysis, another 19 nations have religious requirements for ceremonial monarchs who serve as their heads of state. Sixteen of these, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, are members of the Commonwealth of Nations with Queen Elizabeth II – also known as the Defender of the Faith – as their head of state. The other countries in this category are Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

CBGLuthier

(12,723 posts)
9. Ceremonial?
Tue Jul 22, 2014, 12:47 PM
Jul 2014

They have to ask her permission to form the government and it has also come to light that she has had an influence on legislation. That is not exactly 100 percent ceremonial. What if she says NO to the PM when he begs her to let them form a government?

cbayer

(146,218 posts)
10. The article makes a distinction. Whether it is legitimate or just
Tue Jul 22, 2014, 12:51 PM
Jul 2014

a matter of degree is debatable, I guess.

I am an anti-monarchist and I don't disagree that the Commonwealth and Scandanavia may be getting un unfair break in this report. At any rate, you won't' find me defending the monarchial powers that exist in the UK, that's for sure.

CBGLuthier

(12,723 posts)
2. I wonder why they left the UK off the list?
Tue Jul 22, 2014, 11:42 AM
Jul 2014

These things seem designed to slam the third world without taking a look at the first.


They got rid of the prohibition on catholics marrying them but since the monarch is the titular head of the church it kind of follows they must be a member of ONE and only one religion.

enlightenment

(8,830 posts)
5. Titular is different from actual.
Tue Jul 22, 2014, 11:52 AM
Jul 2014

Yes, the Queen is head of state, but the monarchy in the UK no longer has the ability to make or pass laws. This article is discussing those nations where the head of state is also the head of government.

AtheistCrusader

(33,982 posts)
6. I'll believe that the US doesn't also belong on that list when I see a non-WASP/C
Tue Jul 22, 2014, 11:53 AM
Jul 2014

become president.

Not holding my breath over here.

pinto

(106,886 posts)
8. Andorra is an odd duck. The heads of state are always a Catholic bishop and the President of France.
Tue Jul 22, 2014, 12:02 PM
Jul 2014

Co-heads of state, more accurately.

Igel

(35,197 posts)
11. Indeed.
Tue Jul 22, 2014, 02:07 PM
Jul 2014

I knew it was a principality but didn't know that it had co-monarchs ruling.

Hollande is an unelected prince. A socialist as monarch. Odd, that.

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