Freedom of religion vs. the state
Christian Horizons has come under a great deal of unwanted publicity lately due to a decision by the OHRC that ruled that the Christian organization must pay lesbian Connie Heinz $23,000, plus interest. I discussed this story a few days ago , and I’m still not sure where exactly I stand on it.
However, today the Record had an interesting editorial that alluded to the ramifications of this type of ruling - and the dangerous precedent that it might be setting:
What last week’s ruling really shows is how the delicate balance between personal and religious rights in Canada is in continual need of adjustment. The ultimate outcome of the ruling against Christian Horizons could be a series of uncomfortable questions about other religious groups that perform services for the general public. Will someone, for instance, in the wake of this ruling question the right of Catholic hospitals in Ontario to refuse to perform abortions? Would the tribunal hear such a case?
Lorne Gunter also has a few thoughts on this situation. What he finds most disturbing is that Christian Horizons must, among other things, now undergo Human rights training, which Gunter equates to thought-control:
…Worse yet, all CH managers and employees must undergo a "human rights training program," which, of course, is a euphemism for government-approved, state indoctrination aimed at re-educating unacceptable beliefs out of employees’ heads…
Christian Horizons is still pondering the ruling and may appeal. Otherwise, they may be forced to either comply with the ruling, or simply stop delivering the services to the general public and help only Evangelical Christians, which would allow them to stay in touch with their own religious beliefs.
The Ontario opposition parties are pushing to defund CH , even though their services cost the government less than what could be provided otherwise.
A difficult situation. I’m sure we’ll see other similar cases in the future.
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Update : Here’s another example showing how Canadian Human Rights Commissions are looking out for you - Alleged hijacking of website by rights officials ‘disturbing’.
Interesting case here where a gay bar tried to ban a woman and was charged by the Quebec Human Rights Commission . H/T Ezra Levant
Works both ways, I guess.
Wednesday Update : Evangelical and Catholic Groups Call for Curbs on Human Rights Commission after Anti-Christian Ruling - Lifesite .
April 28th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Another socialist NAIL in the coffin of Free Enterprise.
All of our public institutions, traditions, customs
and beliefs are under attack from within, and have been for years.
It’s been total distraction, through subterfuge with insidious results for all.
The REAL WAR, isn’t far off now….
Be prepared .. arm yourselves!
April 28th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Again the HRC is out in left field and outside it’s jurisdiction. If they had based their decision on facts then they would have noticed that Christian Horizons was contracted by Ontario to deliver a service in a stated manner with defined standards. They would also have noticed that there is a boiler plate clause in the contract that states the contractor’s employees are NOT employees of the province and are not to be deemed as such.
In other words, the employment standards for the province’s employees do not apply to the contractor’s employees. The province has no say in the management of the firm other than the delivery of the services.
What the HRC has done is state that all contractors must meet the province’s employment standards when contracted by the province. Scary indeed. Watch our cost for services go up. Typical loony left manoeuvre.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Hey Joanne,
I posted my own thoughts over at The Politic if it helps to get another’s opinion. Cheers!
April 28th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
This is the kind of decision that should be appealed up to the Supreme Court.
The conservatives should bring back the Court Challenges Program specifically stacked to challenge all of the rigged legal inequities that Liberals enshrined.
Imagine telling a gay group that they have to change to pander to the needs of a closet Christian or Muslim because they were being shunned within EGALE’s narrow group of intolerant gay dinosaurs?
It would be commence a global media sh!tstorm from drama and drag queens. Telefilm would fund the most expensive Canadian movie ever to condemn the CHRC decision. CBC would run it daily until the CHRC was banished.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Great post at the Politic, Matthew! Well done.
I still think some of the conditions in the hiring contract are a bit harsh, but on the other hand nobody is holding a gun to someone’s head and forcing them to work for Christian Horizons.
April 29th, 2008 at 7:23 am
It’s 7:20am EST and all is revealed. Way to go. Looks great!
April 29th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Thanks, Sandy. As you know there are still a few bugs to work out, but things are progressing well in general.