Christian convert seeks recognition in Egypt

Christian convert seeks recognition in Egypt:

CAIRO (AFP) - An Egyptian who converted from Islam to Christianity has launched a bid to have the change recognised officially in what is believed to be the first such case, he told AFP on Thursday.

Coptic rights group the Al-Kalima Centre brought the case on behalf of Mohammed Ahmed Higazi, 25, who said he wanted to have his conversion recognised officially so that his child would be born Christian.

In light of the current controversy of the Mufti's flip-flopping on conversion and the more general concern over growing sectarian tension in Egypt, this could be explosive. I would not be completely surprised if State Securtity intervened to keep this matter out of the courtroom, considering their habit of turning every sectarian issue into a security one. It could also agitate the more unhinged Islamists out there.