Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians Recognized by Government; Baha'is Not

December 4, 2003

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Iran-making-room-for-its-spiritual-minorities-2525966.php

On December 4, 2003 the San Francisco Chronicle reported, "Among its population of 70 million, Iran has about 25,000 Jews, 100,000 Christians and 60,000 adherents of Zoroastrianism, which was the religion of the Persian Empire before the Muslim conquest in the seventh century...Despite their small numbers, the three groups -- 'recognized minority religions' under the 1979 constitution -- are guaranteed five seats in the 290-member parliament. Jews and Zoroastrians get one seat each, Armenian Christians two, and Chaldean and Assyrian Catholics share one seat. They have their own schools, as well as churches, synagogues and temples. Unlike Iran's Muslims, men and women of these minority faiths are permitted to dance together in their clubs and to serve liquor -- as long as no Muslims are admitted to the premises...[but] The Baha'is, Iran's largest religious minority, continue to face unapologetic persecution. A 19th century offshoot of Shiite Islam, the Baha'i faith is viewed as apostasy by the Shiite establishment. The estimated 300,000 Baha'is in Iran are denied permission to worship, hold office or carry out other communal affairs publicly or privately. They are banned from university education, they are denied most business and professional licenses, and their property is often confiscated."