Article 2 of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms begins, “Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion”.  Evangelical Christian Kevin Kisilowsky of Stonewall, Manitoba, wonders whether that applies to him.  His licence as marriage commissioner was revoked last year because he refused, on religious grounds, to marry homosexuals.  He’s taking the government to court in an effort to have his Charter rights enforced.

Kisilowsky filed a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission in 2004 after the province informed all marriage commissioners — once gay unions became legal — that they had to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies or hand in their licences.

Kisilowsky argued he was being discriminated against because the province refused to accommodate his religious beliefs.

But the commission disagreed and dismissed his case.

So he's appealing in court and hearings could start as early as next year.

Here’s a question: Why are churches and other organized religious bodies allowed to refuse to marry homosexuals, whereas individuals like Mr Kisilowsky are not?  Does the Charter’s freedom of religion clause apply only to ordained clergy?

What’s more, until recently, Manitoba marriage commissioners were not actually required to marry anyone.

Marriage commissioners are not civil servants. In fact, anybody over the age of 18 can get a marriage commissioner licence, even a temporary one for the weekend.

The licence simply allows the person to solemnize a marriage.

They're not forced to do any marriages — except same-sex ones, according to the province.

So, here’s another question: Why has Manitoba mandated special treatment for homosexuals?

h/t: LifeSite News.

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