Christian Horizons v. Heintz
December 18, 2009
The Christian Horizons v. Heintz appeal was heard December 15 through 17, 2009, at Divisional Court in Toronto before Mr. Justice Jennings, Mr. Justice Lederman, and Madam Justice Swinton.
This was a significant appeal because of the relevance to the freedoms of religion and association. Full arguments were made that encapsulated the entire case for the court. Thoughtful, thorough, and complex submissions were advanced on behalf of the Appellant, Christian Horizons. Intervener arguments in support of the Appellant were made by three organizations:
- Canadian Council of Christian Charities;
- Evangelical Fellowship of Canada; and
- Assembly of Catholic Bishops in Ontario.
Representations were also made on behalf of the Respondent, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and the intervener, Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere.
The arguments applied the tribunal decision to the full breadth of the Christian community. A wide variety of examples, both actual and hypothetical, were advanced to demonstrate the restrictive impact this decision would have if unaltered.
Release of the appeal decision is expected to take possibly six to ten months. At this time Christian charities should feel no obligation to change their human resource policies. The decision of the Ontario Human Rights Commission is held in abeyance, without force or effect, until the decision in the final appeal has been rendered. CCCC members will be advised as details become available. Please pray for the judges, who now must make a ruling, that God’s will be done.
