International Religious Freedom Report 2006 of Bahrain

The constitution states that Islam is the official religion and also provides for freedom of religion; however, there were some limits on this freedom. There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom during the reporting period. The Government continued to subject both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims to some governmental control and monitoring, and there continued to be government discrimination against Shi'a Muslims in certain fields. Members of other religious groups who practice their faith privately do so without interference from the Government. The generally amicable relationship among religious groups in society contributed to religious freedom; however, Shi'a Muslims, who constitute the majority of the population, often resented minority Sunni Muslim rule. The U.S. government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government as part of its overall policy to promote human rights.