Christian legislators in Iraq are attempting to repeal laws prohibiting the import and sale of alcohol.
Customs officials were issued orders on Saturday to enforce the ban. It became law last month despite opposition.
The group, which holds five representatives in the Iraqi parliament, has filed a lawsuit alleging that it is undemocratic.
Public alcohol consumption is frowned upon in Iraq, a predominantly Muslim country. But it can be purchased at liquor stores or licensed bars.
The law, which was enacted by the Iraqi parliament in 2016, imposes a maximum fine of 25 million Iraqi dinars (£14,256).
It prohibits the sale, import, or production of alcoholic beverages. However, it was only published in the official gazette last month, seven years after it was passed.
It is unknown how rigorously the law could be enforced and whether the Federal Supreme Court will reject it.
In their appeal to the court, members of the Babylon Movement insisted the legislation was unconstitutional because it overlooks the rights of minorities and restricts freedom.
It also contradicts a government decree, adopted less than a week before the gazette was published on 20 February, setting duty at 200% on all imported alcoholic beverages for the next four years, they say.
Baghdad-based real estate agent Sarmad Abbas told the AFP news agency that the prohibition would simply shift alcohol sales onto the black market.
He acknowledged that Muslim teachings forbid the consumption of alcohol. “However, these are personal liberties that you cannot prohibit citizens from exercising,” he remarked.
According to reports, Mahmoud al-Hassan, an Iraqi judge and lawmaker for the State of Law Coalition, proposed the move.
According to the AP, he stated that it was by Article 2 of Iraq’s 2005 constitution. Which prohibits legislation that goes against Islam.
