Malaysian Muslims at morning prayers at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur on Eid al-Fitr, October 24, 2006
Lina Joy chose her faith long ago. Born a Muslim in the multiethnic nation of Malaysia, she started attending church in 1990 and was baptized as a Christian eight years later. But on Wednesday, Malaysia's highest court blocked her final attempt to have her conversion legally recognized by the state. It was a blow to her heart as well as her soul. Malaysian law prohibits marriage between Muslims and non-Muslims, so Joy will not be able to wed the Christian man she loves.
Malaysia has long trumpeted itself as a moderate Muslim nation committed to safeguarding the rights...
