Iraq’s highest appellate court has upheld a landmark ruling recognising a Christian woman’s right to be officially identified as a follower of Jesus Christ rather than being classified as Muslim in state records.

The case challenged Article 26(2) of Iraq’s National Card Law, which automatically assigns the religion of Islam to minor children whenever one parent converts to Islam.

The court’s decision marks a significant legal victory for religious freedom and has renewed attention on laws governing religious identity in several countries across the Middle East and Asia.

In countries including Iraq, Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia, and Pakistan, religion is recorded on national identity documents, with official changes often difficult or, in some cases, impossible to obtain.

Religious classification can affect key aspects of daily life, including education, inheritance, marriage, divorce, child custody, and family law. Human rights advocates argue that such policies can create significant legal and social challenges for religious minorities seeking official recognition of their faith.

The ruling is being viewed by many as an important step toward strengthening protections for freedom of religion and individual conscience within Iraq’s legal system.