Will Rifqa Bary Be Safe In Ohio?

It’s a legitimate question. My other Examiner column from today, detailing the latest developments in the Rifqa Bary case.

Rifqa Bary ordered returned to Ohio

Following up on a decision reached earlier this month, a Florida judge has ordered Rifqa Bary, the Ohio teen who ran away from home earlier this year out of fear her devout Muslim parents would have her killed following her conversion to Christianity, returned to Ohio.

A spokesperson from the Florida Department of Children and Families, speaking to a reporter from the Orlando Sentinel, stated that the department has received an order from the Florida judge overseeing the case indicating the department is to proceed with arrangements to transfer Ms. Bary to the custody of Franklin County (Ohio) Children Services. Details of the actual transfer will not be publicly disclosed.

In the original order for Ms. Bary’s return to Ohio, the Florida judge stated that no transfer would be arranged until the legal status of Ms. Bary’s presence in the United States was clarified via the lawyer for Ms. Bary’s parents filing papers concerning the family’s immigration status. It is not known whether these papers have been filed. It has been alleged that the Bary family’s status is that of illegal aliens.

Under the original order, Ms. Bary would be placed with a foster home in Ohio until her case is resolved. It is not known whether her family would be permitted contact with her.

Ms. Bary, in an interview with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement during its investigation of the case, stated that she has been physically abused by her father. She also stated that he had verbally threatened to kill her, send her back to her native Sri Lanka, and force her into an arranged marriage. Her parents have denied any of these ever transpired.

All believers are urged to pray that Ms. Bary be allowed to worship Christ in peace and safety.