In December 2013, Trinity Western University (TWU) announced that the Federation of Law Societies of Canada had approved its proposal for a School of Law. According to Frontpage Mag, however, the Christian university as well as Christian professionals seeking licensure in the country could face enormous religious freedom challenges.
The issue at hand finds some Canadian law societies at odds with the university’s community covenant that supports traditional marriage, which students and faculty voluntarily sign.
In regards to sexuality, the covenant reads:
“… According to the Bible, sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman, and within that marriage bond it is God’s intention that it be enjoyed as a means for marital intimacy and procreation.”
The challenge conceivably facing graduates from TWU’s School of Law is the inability to practice law because their degree isn’t recognized by a regional law society.
Since the pushback, TWU has filed lawsuits against the law societies of Ontario and Nova Scotia, claiming that they failed to follow the law and obey an earlier Supreme Court decision that approved TWU’s covenant.
"We recognize," said President Bob Kuhn, "that there has been considerable debate with respect to the fact that TWU is a faith based university. "While the university does have strong religious roots it is committed to fully and comprehensively teaching all aspects of law including human rights, ethics and professionalism."
Publication date: May 30, 2014
