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Canada

• Canadian Marriage Commissioner Expects to Be a Victim of Gay Marriage Law

  Canadian Justice Minister, Irwin Cotler

  With the passage of Canadian bill C-38 in the House of Commons and the Senate, the legalization of gay marriage in Canada is expected to receive royal assent today.  When the bill was being debated, Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, repeatedly promised that religious rights would not violated with this law.  However, those promises ring hollow for provincially appointed marriage commissioners.  Several provincial governments have demanded that they perform same-sex marriages.  According to a July 19 article in The Globe and Mail, at least one in ten commissioners have resigned in Newfoundland after being told they must perform the ceremonies.  At least twelve commissioners in Manitoba and eight in Saskatchewan have followed suit.  However, Orville Nichols from Regina, Saskatchewan has refused to resign.

  In May, Nichols was asked to perform a same-sex marriage and refused.  The couple filed a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.  In light of Nichols and others like him, Cotler said, "One should be able to find a way of accommodating those who for reasons of conscience feel they don't want to perform a same-sex marriage."  Saskatchewan's Justice Minister Frank Quennell made his position clear in late 2004 when he said that marriage commissioners are expected to follow the law and could lose their jobs if they do not marry same-sex couples.

  In light of the same-sex marriage legislation, VOMC's Communications Director, Glenn Penner, has written a weblog on the Roman Catholic Church's response to members of parliament who supported bill C-38.  We encourage you to read his commentary and answer our online poll click here.

• Canadian Teacher Suspended for Letters to the Editor

  The British Columbia Court of Appeal has upheld the suspension of school teacher and counselor, Chris Kempling because of his "conduct unbecoming of a teacher."  The case began in 2002 after Kempling, on his own time, wrote letters to the local Quesnell newspaper which the B.C. College of Teachers deemed to be discriminatory against gays and lesbians.  He has been handed a three-month suspension.  He is also serving a suspension for a letter objecting to Bill C-38, the Canadian government's same-sex marriage bill which is presently before parliament. Kempling has stated that he has applied to return to the school district in September, but in a different capacity.

  In a press release following the court decision on June 13, Janet Epp Buckingham, director of law and public policy for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, said, "The court says, in effect, that teachers must stay silent on controversial subjects or risk disciplinary action by their professional association."

  Pray for Christians in various places of influence throughout Canada who are facing the possibility of disciplinary action for speaking out on issues such as gay marriage.  Pray also for the Canadian parliament as the governing Liberal Party has declared Bill C-38 a matter of national interest and is intending to extend the present sitting of parliament until it has been passed.

• Royal Bank Backs Down

  "Safe Space" Logo Click here to download RBC's "Rainbow Space" newsletter

  Earlier this month, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on a controversial program by the Royal Bank of Canada, encouraging employees to designate their work areas as "safe spaces" for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered workers. While the program was voluntary, the newsletter implied that those not willing to participate would be seen as intolerant (for more information, click here). This week we received notice that the program has been cancelled. The bank was facing considerable pressure including the threat of a boycott. In a phone interview with the Western Catholic Reporter, RBC senior vice-president, David Moorcroft said, "The intention was noble and positive but some aspects gave it an unintended result."

  Continue to pray for Canada, as the issue of homosexuality continues to dominate in many areas of public policy. VOM's online catalog features a book entitled "The Bible and Homosexual Practice." We believe that this is the most thorough study on the biblical teaching on the issue available today. For more information, or to order the book, click here.

• Canadians Face Challenges in Values

  "Safe Space" Logo Click here to download RBC's "Rainbow Space" newsletter

  In various arenas, Christians and other supporters of traditional values in Canada are facing increased challenges to their beliefs and their right to publicly practice them. Two stories have come to light in the past week reflecting some of these challenges facing Canadian Christians.

  In September, the Royal Bank of Canada began a new program to "highlight the importance of sexual preference as one of RBC's primary diversity elements." As part of the program, RBC employees are encouraged to put a multi-colored triangle on their cubicle, demonstrating that this is a "Safe Space" for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered co-workers. While the program is voluntary, employees are being pressured to support the program for fear of being labeled "homophobic." The first edition of the RBC "Rainbow Space" states that, "voluntarily displaying this sticker shows gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered co-workers that they can feel safe with you, and shows unsupportive co-workers that you won't tolerate homophobia." A copy of the "Rainbow Space" newsletter is available from our website (Click here to download).

  Supreme Court of Canada

  Another situation prominently facing Canadians at this time is homosexual marriage. The Supreme Court of Canada began hearings on the issue today, October 6. In several provinces of Canada, homosexual marriage is now legal and marriage commissioners in the provinces are facing pressure from the provincial governments. In Manitoba, marriage commissioners received a letter from the director of vital statistics for the province telling them they would be expected to marry gay and lesbian couples or they are to resign. At least two have done so. According to a CBC report, eleven commissioners have resigned in British Colombia as well.

  Janet Epp Buckingham

  The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, of which The Voice of the Martyrs is an affiliate, is part of the Interfaith Coalition on Marriage intervening in the Supreme Court of Canada Marriage Reference being held October 6-8. Janet Epp Buckingham, director of Law and Public Policy for the EFC, stated in a press release today, "In a very real sense, we are fighting for the right to live without discrimination in Canadian society and practice our religious beliefs with respect to marriage. Now that the historic definition of marriage is said to be contrary to Charter-values, those of us who define marriage as being between a man and a woman are deeply concerned about being marginalized in Canadian society." Glenn Penner, Communications Director for The Voice of the Martyrs, says, "Yet again, the issue of gay rights has become the battleground upon which religious freedoms in Canada are being fought. We are watching the Supreme Court very carefully on this issue, because Canadian courts have demonstrated a willingness to impinge upon religious freedom of public expression concerning homosexuality. What the Supreme Court decides on this issue will likely have profound implications for faith groups in the future. We urge you to remember in prayer those who are intervening in the next few days who hold to traditional values."

  Pray for Christians who work at the Royal Bank. Pray that they will have the courage to hold to the truth of their beliefs. Pray for Christian marriage commissioners who have hard choices to make. Pray for the Supreme Court as it deals with the legality of homosexual marriage.

  In the face of increasing pressure by gay activists to silence the voice of Bible-believing Christians, we believe that it is critically important that church leaders and teachers understand and educate others on the biblical teachings concerning homosexuality. Sadly, the Church in Canada has been largely silent on an issue that is being used to curtail our religious freedoms. To that end, The Voice of the Martyrs is making available the book, The Bible and Homosexual Practice by Robert A.J. Gagnon. This is perhaps the most thorough study of the issue available today and will prove to be an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to understand and exercise his/her religious freedom by speaking on this topic. Canadian subscribers can order your copy today through our online catalog.
   

• The Voice of the Martyrs Prepares to Assist in Legal Defense Funding to Christian Printer

  Scott Brockie

  In the first time in the mission's 35-year history, The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada is providing an opportunity to assist in a case in their own country. The mission has just passed a project intended to provide assistance to Scott Brockie, a Canadian printer who was fined $5,000 in 1999 by the Ontario Human Rights Commission for refusing to print business cards and letterhead for the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, citing his religious beliefs as a Bible-believing Christian. A recent decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned an earlier decision awarding Brockie $25,000 in legal costs. He now owes $40,000 in legal fees. In total, his defense has cost Brockie $170,000. He does not plan to appeal his case to the Supreme Court.

  In recent meetings with VOM staff, Mr. Brockie was clearly uncomfortable with any perceived parallel between his situation and that faced by persecuted Christians in restricted nations around the world. "They are the real martyrs, not me" he said. Throughout his ordeal, The Voice of the Martyrs monitored his case and actively urged advocacy and prayer on his behalf. "We recognize, as Scott does, that we cannot really draw a clear parallel between the persecution facing Christians in Saudi Arabia or Pakistan and what believers face here in Canada without depreciating the sacrifice of our brothers and sisters in restricted nations," said VOM spokesman, Glenn Penner. "On the other hand, it is important that we not ignore disturbing trends in our own country. In our opinion, there is no question that these legal fees are the direct consequence of Mr. Brockie's Christian convictions."

  To assist Mr. Brockie with his legal defense expenses, The Voice of the Martyrs has agreed to make funds available through their "Legal Defense Fund." Those who wish to contribute to Mr. Brockie's legal expenses can make donations to this fund and receive a tax-deductible receipt. Donations can be made online (click here).

  Continue to pray that Canadian Christians will continue to stand firm in their opposition to legitimizing homosexual practice. As Brockie told VOM staff, "This might well be the issue that calls the Church (in Canada) to be the salt and light that we are called to be."

• Controversial Bill Becomes Law

  Bill C-250 has passed final reading in the Canadian Senate and received royal assent on April 29, making it law. The bill has raised concerns among Christians because of the vague wording and potential of abuse. The bill revises the hate propaganda laws to specifically include sexual orientation in laws which make it a crime to "incite hatred against any identifiable group...."

  Many religious groups, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) and the Catholic Civil Rights League, have expressed concerns that, despite assurances that religious opinion will be exempt, the courts have frequently restricted the use of religious beliefs as a defense.

  Janet Epp Buckingham Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

  In reporting the passage of the bill on April 29, the National Post gave the ability to prosecute those expressing religious beliefs as a positive reason for this bill, saying, "Police have so far been powerless to prosecute the likes of Rev. Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kan., who runs a website that declares God hates homosexuals."

  While expressing God's love and strongly opposing the spread of hatred against anyone, including homosexuals, the EFC expressed concerns about the "chilling effect" this legislation could have on legitimate expression of religious belief. According to Dr. Janet Epp Buckingham, director of Law and Public Policy for the EFC, "Christians have seen their rights to dissent restricted by case after case in the courts.... We no longer trust that the guarantee of religious freedom in the Charter [of Rights and Freedoms] is necessarily going to apply to protect religious free speech."

  VOM spokesman, Glenn Penner, advises that Christian leaders thoroughly research the issue of sexual orientation and be prepared to defend the biblical teaching as historically held by the Church. "While there are doubts about whether freedom of religious expression will be protected by the Charter or the hate propagation laws in the criminal code," said Penner, "we must be certain that what we believe and speak is an opinion firmly based on our biblical text, the Bible. And we need to speak up on the issue, to let our courts know (should the need arise) what the majority of Christians believe; that homosexuality is contrary to the will of God and must be repented of like other sinful practices. Of course, we do not condone the vitriol expounded like folks like Rev. Phelps, but people do have the right to express wrong opinions. In fact, it is the very nature of freedom of expression that we allow people to speak things which we do not agree with, either in tone or content."

  Pray that the courts will respect the religious beliefs of Canadians and that this law will not be used to prosecute Christians. Pray for wisdom for the EFC, the CCRL and other groups actively involved in defending the religious rights of Christians in Canada. A copy of the Canadian hate propaganda laws, highlighting the changes with Bill C-250, is available on our website (click here).

• Prayer Meeting Disrupted by ''Gay Militia''

  "Gay Militia' chants slogans while Christians pray

  A meeting being held in Calgary, Alberta on April 17 as part of the Concerned Christian Coalition's annual convention was disrupted by a group calling itself the Gay Militia. Beating sticks, yelling, swearing and chanting, the group attempted to stop a dinner in support of the former Executive Director of CCC, Stephen Boissoin. Boissoin is to appear before the Alberta Human Rights Commission as a result of a "letter to the editor" published in the Red Deer Advocate on June 17, 2002, which was critical of homosexual activism in schools. Those in attendance prayed while the Gay Militia shouted blasphemies and accusations of bigotry. Hotel security eventually cleared the group from the hotel. The Calgary Police Service has assured CCC that charges will be laid against the members when they are found.

  Situations like these could become more common if Bill C-250 is passed into law, according to many Christian organizations like the CCC and the Catholic Civil Rights League. Several other situations are facing Human Rights Commissions throughout Canada, including the case of Scott Brockie, a printer who was fined $5,000 in 1999 for refusing to print business cards and letterhead for the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, citing religious beliefs. A recent decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned an earlier decision awarding Brockie $25,000 in legal costs. Brockie now must pay $40,000 in legal fees.

  Scott Brockie

  For more information on Bill C-250, we encourage you to consult the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada website (click here). To express you opinion to Canada's politicians, we would encourage you to participate in the initiative found at http://www.killbillc250.com.

  Pray that the Canadian Senate, now debating Bill C-250, will not pass this controversial bill. Pray for Canadian Christians like Boissoin and Brockie who are facing court challenges for expressing their religious beliefs.

   

• Senate Begins Public Hearings on Bill C-250

  Just as we were about to send out the Persecution and Prayer Alert, we received the following release from the Catholic Civil Rights League, which is of concern to Canadian Christians. We encourage you to make your voice heard on this potentially restrictive legislation.

  Catholic Civil Rights League
  301 - 46 St. Clair Ave. E, Toronto, ON M4T 1M9
  Phone: 416-466-8244, Fax: 416-466-0091, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., http://ccrl.ca

  On Friday last, Brian Rushfeldt of the Canadian Family Action Coalition (C-FAC) accidentally discovered that a Senate committee has commenced 'public' hearings on Bill C-250, the bill that is likely to make it a 'hate crime' to challenge the morality of homosexual conduct or lifestyles.

  He asked why he had not been notified of the hearings, since he had asked to make a presentation. No reason was given. Instead, he was told to appear before the committee in Ottawa today, Wednesday, 17 March, only three business days later. At the cost of the maximum possible air fare, booking less than seven days in advance, Rushfeldt will be allowed only five minutes to make his case against the bill.

  Rushfeldt also learned that Svend Robinson, Amnesty International, a Vancouver 'Hate Crimes' policeman and members of EGALE (Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere) had already appeared and had had more than five minutes each to speak in favour of the bill.

  REAL Women of Canada has placed a full-page advertisement in today's National Post to bring this bill to the public's attention. They have also provided individuals with the tools to be heard on this issue. If the senators won't hear opposition to the bill in committee we need to reach them another way. Please go to http://www.killbillc250.com and let the government and senators know that they will not be able to push this bill through unnoticed.

  For information about Bill C250, see

  • Get Ready for the Knock on the Door (http://ccrl.ca/article_SM_021004.html)
  • Summary of Objections to Bill C-250 (http://ccrl.ca/resources_CCRL_C250.html)
• Bill C-250 Reinstated

  On February 2, the first day after the parliamentary recess, Bill C-250 was reinstated in the Canadian parliament, and is now on second reading in the Senate. Bill C-250 intends to add sexual orientation to the list of identifiable groups under the "hate propaganda" sections of the Criminal Code of Canada.

  While The Voice of the Martyrs is against all deliberate incitement of hatred, we join with many other groups, including The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the Catholic Rights League, in expressing concern about this bill. The bill could potentially limit legitimate freedom of religious expression on issues such as marriage and homosexuality despite assurances from parliament that religious expression would be exempt.

  f the bill does not pass before the widely-expected election call this April, it will die. While an appointed Senate does not respond as readily to public pressure, we do encourage Canadian Christians to present their well-reasoned concerns to a senator from their province. Contact information is available at https://www.vomcanada.com/links.htm.

  Pray that the Senate will hold public hearings on this bill and that groups such as the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada will be allowed to respond to the bill.

• Bill C-250 Passes the House of Commons

  The Voice of the Martyrs was disappointed but not surprised by the passing of Bill C-250 last Wednesday, which adds "sexual orientation" to the prohibited groups in the hate propaganda section of the Criminal Code of Canada.

  "By all reports," said Glenn Penner, VOM spokesman, "Members of Parliament received thousands of letters and emails of concern from Canadians. Many, like myself, were assured by our politicians that provision had been made in the Bill to protect 'good faith statements on a religious statement.' Frankly, I knew better when my MP called me one Saturday afternoon, and it was apparent that he was not really interested in discussing the matter. He was just anxious to pacify his constituency so that he could vote in favour of the Bill to show how open-minded and supportive he was of the homosexual community."

  The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada pointed out in their September 18 press release that in the two legal cases where the accused persons tried to use the 'good faith statement' defense (R. v. Keegstra and R. v. Harding [4]), the courts ruled that if a statement incites hatred, it cannot be considered a good faith statement on a religious subject. "This makes the defenses totally inadequate to protect religious freedom," said the EFC. "It will be interesting to see if this threat of legal prosecution will dampen discussion and teaching on homosexuality from a biblical perspective," said Penner. " If someone were to quote Moses or Paul when they state in the biblical record that homosexuality is sinful depravity, morally wrong, unnatural and contrary to the laws of God, would he or she be taken to court? Only time will tell. But I am almost certain of it. In my opinion, the church's ability to teach and publicly proclaim and practice a biblically based position on homosexuality is where the battle lines are being drawn in regards to religious freedom in Canada."

  The Bill will now go to the Senate for approval. (Go to http://www.realwomenca.com/alerts.htm for a possible way that you can get involved.)