Which is a real thing in canon. Bajor’s application was put in jeopardy when they briefly reinstated a caste system, which violated Federation equality rules.
They’re actually a republic. The Vedek Assembly has a lot of influence, but they’re fully separate from the Provisional Government. And they only have that much influence because the vast majority of the population follows the Bajoran faith. Think of the Assembly like the Vatican - powerful when everyone cares (Pope during the Middle Ages), but virtually powerless when nobody does (Pope now).
Its definitely a case of “um, yeah, your application to ever join the Federation has been denied, pending you not having incredibly stupid laws”.
Which is a real thing in canon. Bajor’s application was put in jeopardy when they briefly reinstated a caste system, which violated Federation equality rules.
I’m surprised them being a theocracy didn’t disqualify them.
A theocracy with gods, who in fact exist. I guess that made the difference?
Moved it from theocracy to fandom
They’re actually a republic. The Vedek Assembly has a lot of influence, but they’re fully separate from the Provisional Government. And they only have that much influence because the vast majority of the population follows the Bajoran faith. Think of the Assembly like the Vatican - powerful when everyone cares (Pope during the Middle Ages), but virtually powerless when nobody does (Pope now).