On September 28, 2011 the Center for Intercultural Dialogue and Translation (CIDT) hosted three roundtable discussions concerning the second article of the former Egyptian constitution. Following the revolution the status of Article Two has been a subject of great debate, as it serves to great degree to define the identity of the Egyptian state. It reads: Islam is the religion of the state, Arabic is its official language, and the principles of Islamic law are the chief source of legislation.
Hani Labib, managing director of the Center for Intercultural Dialogue and Translation, moderated the discussions, which were held at the Association for Upper Egypt in downtown Cairo. Labib provided an identical introduction to each of the three groups. He stated clearly that CIDT does not take an official position on Article Two. Yet given that this article has become a point of contention between groups who wish it to remain as it is, to be amended, or to be removed altogether, Labib asked each participant to provide answers to three questions:
1. Do you wish the article to remain in the constitution?
2. Do you believe the article is in need of amendment?
3. What is the proper formulation for Egyptian society?
