RIFQA BARY SPARED, AND WILL REMAIN IN FLORIDA FOR NOW

Good news on the Fathima Rifqa Bary case. Atlas Shrugs reports that the court in Orlando has ruled in her favor:

Staying in Florida, her legal team argues, would keep her safe.

Judge Dawson said he has had no contact with Ohio courts, so he doesn't know if Ohio wants jurisdiction in this case.

"Rifqa wants to be here," said one of her lawyers.

He told the court the teen's safety would be compromised back in Ohio, referring to some 'terrorist activity' in the region where she lived. He did not elaborate.

Judge Dawson says "at first blush" it appears his court has jurisdiction in this custody matter, since no Ohio court has taken up the matter.

They're likely to start a motion in Ohio, so there's likely to be another battle.

I wouldn't be surprised if the dhimmis at the Orlando Sentinel have no interest or intention of interviewing Bary to get her side of the story. To them, she is a non-entity. I won't be surprised if they won't interview any potential witnesses for her either.

Bary made this statement to the court:

Update: Rafqa is making her statement to the court. "I've been a Christian for 4 years of my life. I love my parents but I am in fear of my life because of the past abuse. I assure your honor Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I am a Christian, a believer."

The House majority leader for Ohio has made the following statement:

House Majority Leader Adam Hasner issued the following statement on today’s court ruling regarding Rifqa Bary, a young Christian convert who fled her parents’ home in Columbus, Ohio. She is currently in Orlando, Florida.

“I appreciate the efforts of Secretary Sheldon and the Department of Children and Families, Attorney General Bill McCollum, and the countless advocates who have worked tirelessly to put the safety of Rifqa Bary first. The court’s decision and the forthcoming involvement of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement – facilitated by the Attorney General – to investigate this young girl’s safety if she is forced to return to Ohio may save her from an unthinkable fate.”

“No one, child or adult, should have to fear for their lives because of their religious choices, and I am hopeful that Rifqa’s best interests will be safeguarded as this process moves forward. I will continue my communications with General McCollum and Secretary Sheldon, and will be closely monitoring the ongoing investigation and developments in this matter until there is a final resolution that guarantees the permanent safety of this young girl.”

And in Florida, Marco Rubio, who's running for Senate in the autumn, had something to say as well:

Miami, FL–U.S. Senate candidate and former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio today issued the following statement regarding Rifqa Bary's court case:

"America has a rich tradition of religious freedom that is enshrined in our First Amendment. Today in Florida, this freedom could be at stake as a court considers the case of 17 year-old Rifqa Bary.

"This young woman fled from Ohio to Florida, fearing she would be killed for converting from Islam to Christianity. As the court weighs the facts of this case, I hope it will take her expressed fears seriously and not rush to an irreversible decision that may ultimately endanger her.

"It is imperative that state officials use every legal tool at their disposal to properly evaluate Rifqa's best interests. Florida has a responsibility not only to protect her innocent life, but also to defend her sacred right to worship freely."

If you live in Florida and can vote for Rubio in the coming election, please do so.

Another good thing: Florida governor Charlie Crist also came in support of Bary:

Thank you for contacting Governor Charlie Crist. The Governor asked that I respond on his behalf.

Governor Crist today expressed his gratefulness to Circuit Judge Daniel Dawson for his decision to grant Fathima Rifqa Bary the right to remain in Florida. In this case, the first and only priority of Governor Crist's administration is the safety and wellbeing of this child. The Governor also expressed gratitude for the good work of Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon and his General Counsel, Rob Wheeler, for personally advocating the administration's position by attending today's hearing.

Please be assured Governor Crist will continue to fight to protect Ms. Rifqa Bary's safety and wellbeing as this case moves forward.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact Governor Crist.

Sincerely,

Warren Davis
Office of Citizen Services

I'm glad they all understood, and will be even gladder still if they continue to make sure she remains safe in the forseeable future too.

Here's more from Jihad Watch, The Jawa Report, Creeping Sharia, Phyllis Chesler, WDBO blog.

Update: read this eyebrow-raising topic from the Jawa Report, on how the Columbus Dispatch reporter who wrote about this story appears to be a hijab-lover, and may have even taken a few things out of context.