Citations {{{citations}}} | Dissent L’Heureux-Dubé J. | |
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Full case name British Columbia College of Teachers v Trinity Western University and Donna Gail Lindquist Majority Iacobucci and Bastarache JJ., joined by McLachlin C.J. and Gonthier, Major, Binnie, Arbour and LeBel JJ. Similar R v Big M Drug Mart, R v Sharpe, R v Oakes | ||
Trinity Western University v British Columbia College of Teachers, [2001] 1 S.C.R. 772, 2001 SCC 31, is a leading Supreme Court of Canada decision on the freedom of religion and the court's ability to review a private school's policies.
Contents
Background
Trinity Western University is a private university with a Christian-based curriculum. The university started a teachers training program and applied to the British Columbia College of Teachers for the proper certification. The college rejected Trinity Western on account that the school's policy that prohibited "homosexual behaviour" violated the college's anti-discrimination policy.
Opinion of the Court
In an eight to one decision, the Court held that the college was wrong in rejecting Trinity Western on the basis of discrimination. The Court concurred with the lower provincial courts, stating that there was no basis for the BCCT's decision and that "the concern that graduates of TWU will act in a detrimental fashion in the classroom is not supported by any evidence."