Should the Right to ‘Feel Comfortable’ Trump Charter Rights?

The Law Society of British Columbia advocates ditching Charter freedoms

The Law Society of B.C. takes a view on the Trinity Western University suit that, according to John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, runs counter to Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Photo Courtesy Trinity Western University

If the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) had its way, freedom in Canada would be enjoyed only by people who agree with government-approved beliefs and behaviours as dictated by majority vote.

The LSBC makes this case in its legal brief, filed in response to a court action brought by Trinity Western University (TWU) in which this private, Evangelical Christian university asserts its Charter freedoms of expression, religion, and association.

TWU receives no government funding. Despite very high tuition fees, TWU is a top-ranked university by students who made the costly choice to study there. TWU welcomes atheists and LGTBQ+ students along with members of all faiths who, as part of choosing TWU, choose to abide by TWU’s Community Covenant while studying at TWU.

TWU is simply an option for students who want to live in a Christian community while pursuing their studies.