Bahrain Proposes Religious-Awareness Training for MPs at Rome Forum
TDT | Manama
Bahrain has proposed religious-awareness training for MPs, aimed at cutting hate speech and bolstering peaceful coexistence between communities, during a parliamentary forum in Rome.
MP Hassan Ibrahim put forward the proposal at the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, hosted in the Italian capital. He was part of a Bahraini delegation led by Parliament Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam.
Ibrahim said such courses would give MPs practical insights for tackling prejudice, supporting mutual understanding among religions, and cementing social cohesion.
Religious Traditions
He suggested that a solid grasp of religious traditions and their wider social contexts would help legislators develop fairer and more inclusive laws.
'In a world of diverse beliefs, parliamentarians have an obligation to promote legislation that upholds tolerance, respect, and peaceful living side-by-side,' Ibrahim told attendees. 'But to carry out this role effectively, we need to properly understand religious values and the communities shaped by them.'
Royal Vision
Hala Ramzi Fayez, member of the Shura Council, told the forum the Kingdom had successfully combined religious values with civic policies, particularly in empowering women.
She spoke of Bahrain's vision under His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, built on fairness and equality—principles clearly enshrined in the Kingdom's constitution and laws.
Fayez said this approach had helped Bahraini women rise to prominent posts in Parliament, government ministries, diplomatic missions, the judiciary, and security sectors.
The lawmaker also noted Bahrain's adoption of a National Plan for Bahraini Women, supervised by the Supreme Council for Women, headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of HM the King.
Equality & Empowerment
The programme promotes equality between men and women across state institutions and has served as a regional model.
The Shura member highlighted Bahrain's updates to legislation, incorporation of gender rights into education curricula, and collaboration with civil society groups and religious bodies to champion women's participation.
She added that meaningful conversations on women's empowerment must consider religious values, describing moderate interfaith dialogue as key to removing cultural and social barriers.
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