“Being Christian is reason enough for discrimination in this country,” said Tamer Louis, a computer programmer. “I am the embodiment of total rejection in society for faith reasons,” he added bitterly. Only in his early thirties, Louis had to go all the way to Canada to settle down permanently, allegedly because he was not tolerated in Egypt. As he strived to get a foothold in the Egyptian career market, Louis says he discovered early that his Christian faith was a big obstacle on the way to his dream job. “I might be a foreigner in Canada, but at least I am respected,” Louis said. The Copts, about 10 per cent of the 80 million population, say they have to suffer intolerable discrimination, particularly when it comes to employment and the workplace. There are three Christian ministers in the Egyptian Cabinet and less than a handful of Christian governors, but the nation's Copts say the presence of these people in decision-making circles would not hide what they believe is the fact that they do not enjoy equal opportunities on the job market in a country that has always cherished a moderate version of Islam. When Louis applied for a computer programming post a few years ago, he was the best qualified and most efficient of all applicants. He could not imagine that being of a different faith would hinder his employment.“I discovered that academic and scientific qualifications meant nothing to interviewers,” he told The Egyptian Gazette. “The interviewer told me bluntly that if I were called Mohamed, he would give me the job,” he added. Shortly after this experience, Louis decided to leave for good and packed his bags. He says he will never return to Egypt, because he does not want his children to experience the same discrimination. Equally disgruntled are those who say that top positions in universities, academic institutions and ministries are no-go areas for Christians. They add that discrimination on the career market only adds fuel to their accumulating plight. There is even a lack of equality where building churches is concerned. Some people say that while both Muslims and Christians suffer from unemployment, the pain this situation causes to Christians is mixed with deep anger. Despite this, some Muslims complain that companies owned by Copts refuse to give jobs to Muslims, places where the staff are Christian from top to bottom. “Social differences are even more dangerous than religious differences,” said Kamal Zakhir, a leading Christian thinker. “Co-existence is a must for the Muslims and the Christians of this country. We all have to know that,” he told this newspaper in an interview. The Government, which denies discrimination on the basis of religions, is reported to be considering measures to redress this lopsided balance. A law regulating the construction of churches is said to be in the making. Other measures are expected soon, but until they are put into action, Copts may continue to feel discriminated against and Louis to remember his bitter experience. “The laws are responsible for this,” he said, “there must be enough laws that give Egypt's Christians equality."
