Dear Friend,
Our governments create the laws. But it’s our courts that interpret and apply them.
That’s why the EFC continues to work tirelessly to promote the application of biblical principles before our governments
as well as in our courts.
The EFC is a highly experienced legal intervener and friend of the courts. The Supreme Court of Canada has granted the EFC leave to intervene, either individually or with others, in 33 separate cases. Other courts have granted the EFC intervener status in an additional 37 cases.
Because legal interventions are expensive, strategic decisions to intervene are made only after much consideration and prayer. Cases that could limit religious freedoms have an impact on our ability to “love God” in both word and deed. Similarly, cases that put Canadians experiencing vulnerabilities in harm’s way also have an impact our ability to “love our neighbour (Mark 12:30-31).”
Here are a few of the cases that we’re currently involved with.
Freedom to Worship
A church in Montreal was fined by the city for holding an evening music and prayer event. The municipality of Montreal determined that the event – which included a time of praise led by a worship band, a sermon and the Lord’s Supper – did not qualify as “worship” and fined the church for hosting a “concert” without the proper permit and in violation of a zoning bylaw. The EFC is intervening before the Superior Court in Quebec. Governments should not have the power to decide what types of lawful words, music, and activities are allowed for worship gatherings inside churches. This case has broad implications for religious freedom across Canada.
Religious Freedom for Organizations
The EFC was granted intervener status and appeared before the B.C. Supreme Court to defend the ability of faith-based healthcare facilities to remain euthanasia-free spaces. While the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of conscience and religion for
individuals from having to directly carry out procedures that go against their moral or religious beliefs, this case challenges whether faith-based
facilities should also have the same protection under the
Charter. Faith-based healthcare institutions are committed to the sanctity and God-given dignity of every human life – from conception to natural death. Their religious, moral and ethical convictions compel them to opt out of certain legally permitted medical procedures. They should not be forced to betray their religious convictions in order to offer care. This case will likely make its way to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Equal Access to Public Spaces
The EFC is awaiting a decision from the Quebec Superior Court in a case involving the ability of religious groups to rent public spaces. A Christian group had booked the Quebec City Convention Centre for a large gathering, but Quebec’s tourism minister cancelled the rental agreement, stating that the group’s pro-life beliefs went against the government’s “fundamental principles.” If this action is allowed to stand, religious organizations will find it harder to be able to rent publicly owned spaces (e.g., schools, community centres, recreation facilities, etc.) because the religious views they hold don’t align with those of the government. We intervened in this case, arguing that religious groups should not be denied equal access to public spaces just because of their beliefs.
Opposing Doctor-assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
There are upcoming court challenges involving Track 2 of the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) law. Under Track 2, people with a disability who are not dying, or whose death is not “reasonably foreseeable,” are eligible to die by MAiD. Disability rights organizations are planning to launch a
Charter challenge to put a stop to Track 2 MAiD. At the same time, a pro-euthanasia lobby group is launching a
Charter challenge of the delay for the expansion to include those suffering from mental illness only. The EFC will continue to uphold the sanctity of life before our courts.
Prostitution
The EFC has long advocated that Canada’s current laws around prostitution are essential tools to stop exploitation. The laws help to reduce demand for prostitution, discourage and deter entry into it, and ultimately abolish it as much as possible. The EFC had intervened in a recent Supreme Court case that challenged the constitutionality of two provisions of the prostitution laws…and the court ruled in favour of the laws! Now, we are waiting to see if the appeal of an earlier case at the Ontario Superior Court that upheld all of the prostitution laws will proceed. If it does, the EFC will seek to intervene.
Much is at stake in each of the court interventions we decide to be involved in. We can’t afford not to be there to ensure just rulings are made to protect those in vulnerable situations and to provide a robust defense of our
Charter-protected freedoms.
We have an urgent need to build up the EFC’s Legal Fund immediately! The power to effect change is in your hands. Will you donate to the EFC today?
Sincerely,
Dr. David Guretzki
President & CEO