Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the relationship between state and religion remains a central source of political and social tension. While state–religion models vary widely—from religion-centred states to multi-confessional systems and more secular frameworks—religion consistently serves as a cornerstone of national identity. Yet in these diverse contexts, the boundaries between public and private life are often blurred, a dynamic that frequently fuels debates over the proper role of religion in governance and society. This panel explores how states manage the presence of religion in public space – from places of worship and religious symbols to constitutional language – and the frictions and challenges this creates within society. What strategies can help states balance respect for religious traditions with the protection of civic rights? How can they simultaneously promote religious pluralism and foster civic inclusion?