(Dec 2004, Iranian Religion, Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection at The University of Texas at Austin, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Iran, 12/22/11)The top religion in Iran is Muslim Shi'a comprises ~89%.while 9% are Sunni Muslims. "The remaining 2% are non-Muslim religious minorities, including Bahá'ís, Mandeans, Yarsanis, Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians."
"Religion in Iran." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 15 Dec. 2011. Web. 22 Dec. 2011..
"Religion in Iran." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 15 Dec. 2011. Web. 22 Dec. 2011.
Only the italicized religions are protected in Iran the others are not. The interaction between religious groups is not as extreme as the conduct between unprotected (and anti-Islam) and the government. One who denounces Islam or changes from Islam to another religion (apostasy) is breaking Iranian law and is subject to punishment including death. This was ruled by Ruhollah Khomeini the Islamic Republic founder. As such, religious freedom in Iran is certainly limited from primarily Islam, and Zoroastrianism, Judiasm and Christianity.
Keri | December 27, 2011 at 9:55 PM
Another website to check - Baha'ism is also persecuted by the Iranian government: http://iran.bahai.us/2011/05/04/uscirf-probes-persecution-of-iranian-bahai-community-in-2011-religious-freedom-report/
~Tanner | December 27, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Thanks for that site! I saw how Baha'is can basically be murdered without punishment as their blood is considered "Mobah" . I wanted to look more into this as the only place Mobah is mentioned is in an unreferenced sentence on Wikipedia.
Keri | December 28, 2011 at 7:03 PM
There are a number of Iranian Baha'is living in Tucson as a place of refuge.
~Tanner | December 28, 2011 at 7:12 PM
Really? I'm surprised as to the size of Tucson's refugee population. Is there any particular reason they choose Tucson? I could only think of climate. Why wouldn't they choose something closer to their home?
Keri | December 28, 2011 at 8:22 PM
That's a good question. One of them is my friend's ex-boyfriend. Next time I get a chance, I will ask her since she knows a lot about the situation.