Trinity Western University counsel delivered the university's position in court today
LANGLEY, BC, Nov. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - At the Supreme Court today, Trinity Western University (TWU) Counsel Kevin Boonstra said in his opening argument: "The Charter protects the right to establish communities of faith like TWU. In order for any religious community to exist and thrive, it has to be able to define itself. In the evangelical context, this includes defining religiously appropriate conduct while individuals are part of the community."
The case continues tomorrow, December 1, when the court will hear from an unprecedented number of interveners in the case.
"We are pleased the Supreme Court is hearing our case," says TWU President Bob Kuhn. "This case is about more than Trinity Western, it speaks to the freedom of all faith groups and other minority groups in Canada."
The university wants to train trustworthy lawyers to serve all Canadians, regardless of their beliefs, race, gender, sexual orientation, or origin. The TWU law school program will focus on graduating caring, competent leaders who view law as a higher calling to serve the needs of all people.
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a small Christian school in British Columbia. It offers liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media and culture.
SPOKESPERSONS AT THE COURT IN OTTAWA FOR INTERVIEWS:
Bob Kuhn ? President of Trinity Western University
Earl Phillips ? Executive Director of proposed TWU School of Law
Janet Epp Buckingham ? Director of TWU's Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa
Brayden Volkenant ? Petitioner in the case, law student and TWU alumni
Jessie Legaree ? Affiant in the case, practicing lawyer and TWU alumni
The National Post, the Globe and Mail and the Vancouver Sun have editorialized in favour of the law school. The editorials, along with statements of support from individuals of many faiths, are found here: https://www.twuserves.ca/support/
MEDIA RESOURCES:
Microsite for media: www.TWUserves.ca
Media kit with biographies, photos, videos and B-roll: http://bit.ly/2jNL3EY
Timeline and background information: https://www.twuserves.ca/twu-legal-case/
SOURCE Trinity Western University
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