Fundamental Freedoms and Religion

Fundamental Freedoms and Religion

Apr 3, 2021 | Blog, General News, Interview Series, Laws & Legislation

Watch Video of GraceLife Church members interaction with Police

With the upcoming Easter weekend we wanted to highlight the areas that apply in law to the fundamental freedoms surrounding religion and the possible consequences of disturbing religious worship. These freedoms are set out in the Charter to ensure that Canadians are free to create and express their ideas, gather to discuss them and communicate them widely to other people. These activities are basic forms of individual liberty. They are also important to the success of a democratic society like Canada. In a democracy, people must be free to discuss matters of public policy and offer solutions to social problems.

CANADIAN CRIMINAL CODE SEC 176 (2)

176(2) Every one who wilfully disturbs or interrupts an assemblage of persons met for religious worship or for a moral, social or benevolent purpose is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

UNITED NATIONS ARTICLE 18

Freedom of religion or belief is guaranteed by article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.

CANADIAN CHARTER OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Section 2.

Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;
(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and
(d) Freedom of association.
Under section 2 of the Charter, Canadians are free to follow the religion of their choice. In addition, they are guaranteed freedom of thought, belief and expression. Since the media are an important means for communicating thoughts and ideas, the Charter protects the right of the press and other media to speak out. Our right to gather and act in peaceful groups is also protected, as is our right to belong to an association like a trade union.

It’s important to note, this does not just speak to Easter weekend or the Christian religion, but all faiths and religious holidays.

 

 

0 Comments

HIGHLIGHTS

Air Canada Ordered to Compensate Seven Pilots After Rejection of Religious COVID-19 Vaccine Exemptions

Air Canada Ordered to Compensate Seven Pilots After Rejection of Religious COVID-19 Vaccine Exemptions

In the ongoing fight for individual rights and freedoms in Canada, a recent decision from Arbitrator James Hayes has supported the individual rights of the Air Canada pilots placed on unpaid leave, after their religious exemptions to the Covid-19 vaccination policy were denied.

Judge: COVID Shutdown of Adamson Barbeque isn't a 'Seizure,' Charter Challenge Thrown Out

Judge: COVID Shutdown of Adamson Barbeque isn’t a ‘Seizure,’ Charter Challenge Thrown Out

Ontario Superior Court Justice Janet Leiper’s March 20th ruling dismissing Adam Skelly’s Charter challenge, has dealt a blow to individual rights.

BC Appeals Court Reverses Decision That Sided With Union Against Purolator Vaccine Mandates

BC Appeals Court Reverses Decision That Sided With Union Against Purolator Vaccine Mandates

British Columbia’s Court of Appeal has overturned a victory favouring union workers who challenged Purolator’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate, prioritizing employer rights over individual rights and bodily autonomy.

Federal Government Appeals Emergencies Act Ruling to Supreme Court of Canada

Federal Government Appeals Emergencies Act Ruling to Supreme Court of Canada

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the federal government waited until the last possible moment to appeal the Emergencies Act d

Recent News