05 November 2012

Father fails in court bid to bring children up as Muslims

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is originally from Egypt but moved to Scotland in 2002 after marrying a Scots woman.

They moved to Fife, had three children – a daughter and twin boys – but split up in 2010.

The man sought an order from Dunfermline Sheriff Court to force the children to be brought up as Muslims. However, Sheriff Ian Dunbar ruled no order should be made, given that the children's mother is Christian and they attend a non-denominational school which celebrates Christian festivals.

In a written judgment on the case, Mr Dunbar said: "The day-to-day circumstances of the children should dictate what is in their best interests.

"I have therefore reached the conclusion that it is not in the best interests of the children that a specific issue order be made that they be brought up in the Muslim faith. [HeraldScotland.com] Read more