A juvenile court judge is urging an Ohio couple to stick with counseling toward a reconciliation with their daughter, who converted from Islam to Christianity.
Seventeen-year-old Rifqa Bary fled to Florida last year, claiming she would be harmed for changing religions. Her parents have denied that and have alleged that Christian ministers helped the girl leave home.
The parents had asked to scrap a deal reached in January that includes counseling as part of a reunion effort.
Judge Elizabeth Gill said Tuesday that she recognizes the parents are frustrated their daughter has had further contact with a pastor who sheltered her in Orlando, Fla. But Gill says the deal should stay in place and that the best course is to move ahead with counseling.
© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.