Bahrain: A Secular Country Or Not?

Bahrain is a small country in the Middle East, with a population of around 1.5 million people. The Constitution of Bahrain states that Islam is the official religion, and Shari'a law is a principal source for legislation. However, the country also provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites. In recent years, there has been a crackdown on opposition groups, including the main secular opposition group, the National Democratic Action Society (Waad). This has led to concerns about the suppression of human rights and the silencing of peaceful dissent in Bahrain. Despite this, the country is considered more secular, liberal, and open-minded than its neighbours, with certain behaviours such as drinking and dating being legal.

Is drinking legal in Bahrain?

While Bahrain is considered a secular country in comparison to its neighbours, it is not entirely accurate to describe it as such. The Constitution of Bahrain states that Islam is the official religion, and Shari'a (Islamic law) is a principal source of legislation. However, Article 22 of the Constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites and hold religious parades and meetings.

In practice, Bahrain does allow for more social and cultural freedoms than many of its regional counterparts. For example, the consumption of alcohol is permitted in licensed venues such as hotels, and the legal drinking age ranges from 18 to 21 years old depending on the establishment. However, there are some restrictions on the sale of alcohol, as a permit is required, and only certain hotels are authorised to sell it. Additionally, there are liquor stores that prohibit the sale of alcohol to Muslims, although this rule does not appear to be strictly enforced.

While drinking alcohol is legal in Bahrain, driving under the influence is strictly prohibited, with a limit of 0.0 blood alcohol content (BAC). This means that even a small amount of alcohol in one's system can lead to arrest if one chooses to drive.

In conclusion, while Bahrain may be considered more secular and liberal than other countries in the region, it still operates within the framework of Islam being the official religion and Shari'a law influencing legislation. The country does, however, provide some freedoms, such as the legal consumption of alcohol within certain establishments.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Bahrain?

While same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in Bahrain in 1976, same-sex marriage is not recognised in the country.

In Bahrain, marriage is considered a Sunnah and the beginning of a new family in accordance with the law. It is a mutual contract to bring loved ones together prior to committing it to a paper contract. It is a holy union that protects the rights of both parties and their children, as per the Kingdom’s Family Law.

The National Personal Status Law (2017) defines and regulates marriage for Bahraini Muslims, and does not recognise same-sex marriages.

Although no law explicitly criminalises same-sex relations, authorities have used vague penal code provisions against "indecency" and "immorality" to target sexual and gender minorities. In 2021, members of parliament proposed a bill to amend the penal code to include the criminalisation of "[raising] a flag, slogan, or any sign symbolizing homosexuals", " [promoting] the ideas and beliefs of homosexuals" and " [inviting, organizing or attending] any gathering or meeting of homosexuals", with punishments of up to five years' imprisonment and a fine.

In 2024, a Bahraini journalist published an article titled "Homosexuality and the Sinister Plot", which reflects the conservative attitudes towards LGBT individuals in Bahrain. The article called for the Bahraini parliament to criminalise homosexual acts and same-sex marriage to safeguard societal norms and protect future generations.

Despite the lack of explicit criminalisation, LGBT individuals in Bahrain face significant legal and social challenges due to entrenched attitudes and regulations.

Is Bahrain a constitutional monarchy?

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy. The country was declared a kingdom in 2002, with Manama as its capital. The civil law courts deal with all commercial, civil, and criminal cases, as well as disputes related to the personal status of non-Muslims. Meanwhile, Sharia law courts have jurisdiction over all issues related to the personal status of Muslims.

The Bahraini monarchy is Sunni, but the majority of the country's population is Shi'a, as is the case in neighbouring Iran. In 2011, the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, promised a transition to constitutional monarchy in response to increasing protests. This was also in part due to fears of Iranian influence and ambitions. The modest incremental proposals, along with sometimes brutal crackdowns by hardliners within the regime, have increased sectarian tensions and led to mounting demands for the removal of the monarchy altogether.

The new constitution issued in 2002 provided for an elected lower house of parliament but also created an appointed upper house, the Majlis al-Shura, which shared legislative power with the elected body. The upper house was initially promised to be strictly advisory but was given equal power to the lower house. The president of the Majlis al-Shura also holds the tie-breaking vote in the event of a deadlock.

The prime minister is the executive head of the Bahraini government and is appointed directly by the king. The Shura Council's 40 members are also appointed by the monarch. The national assembly passes legislation that must be passed by a majority in both houses and then ratified by the king. The council of representatives has 40 members who are elected by absolute majority vote in single-member constituencies.

What is the official religion of Bahrain?

The official religion of Bahrain is Islam. This is stated in the country's constitution, which also declares that Sharia (Islamic law) is a principal source for legislation.

According to the 2010 census, 99.8% of Bahraini citizens identified as Muslim. This figure falls to 70.2% when the non-national population is included. The remaining population is made up of approximately 1,000 Christians, fewer than 40 Jews, and followers of other religions including Hinduism, Baháʼís, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

While the constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites, there are some limitations on these rights. For example, the government prohibits anti-Islamic writings and mandates imprisonment for "exposing the state's official religion to offense and criticism". All religious groups must obtain a license from the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs (MOJIA) to operate and are subject to further approval from other ministries depending on their activities.

The government generally permits religious minorities to practice their faith without interference and maintains that it supports tolerance for minority religious beliefs and traditions. However, societal attitudes and behaviors discourage conversion from Islam, and converts from Islam are often shunned or even subjected to physical abuse by their families and communities.

In recent years, there have been reports of discrimination against Shia Muslims in Bahrain, particularly in recruitment for the military and security services, as well as in education, employment, and political representation. Shia Muslims also face restrictions on their religious practices, such as during the commemoration of Ashura, and there have been instances of Shia mosques being demolished by the government.

How does Bahrain compare to its neighbours?

Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf, situated between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to which it is connected by the King Fahd Causeway. It is an archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, with Bahrain Island making up around 83% of the country's landmass. The country has a population of 1.5 million, with 712,362 people being Bahraini nationals. Bahrain is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family, who are Sunni Muslims, while the majority of the population is Shia Muslim.

Bahrain is considered more liberal and open-minded than its neighbours, with a more tolerant attitude towards other cultures and religions. It is the only Muslim country in the Gulf where homosexuality is legal, and alcohol is permitted, although it is mainly found in hotels catering to foreign visitors.

In terms of economics, Bahrain has a high-income economy and is recognised by the World Bank for its post-oil economy, with a focus on banking and tourism. However, Bahrain's economy is still dependent on oil, and the country has had to diversify into other areas such as finance and tourism.

In terms of education, Bahrain has a well-regarded public school system, which is free for all children and compulsory from ages 6 to 14. The country also has a number of private schools catering to non-Arab expat children.

Overall, Bahrain is considered a more liberal and open-minded country than its neighbours, with a relatively diverse economy and a well-regarded education system.

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