CFI Vacouver Media Release:  Religion should never trump human rights

May 19, 2010

"The Center for Inquiry (CFI), a leading humanist think tank strongly condemns BC Catholic school's demotion of teacher because of sexual orientation"

CFI, urges Canada not to tolerate religious accommodation trumping human rights at the expense of the tax payer.

Little Flower Academy, a BC private Catholic school that receives government funding has told music teacher, Lisa Reimer, to "stay away" because of her sexual orientation. 

"This is a violation of human rights. A person cannot be discriminated in their workplace because of their sexual orientation. Even if the workplace is openly homophobic, religious tradition does not put an organization above Canadian law." Says Ethan Clow, executive director of CFI Vancouver. 

"By receiving government funding and favourable tax status, the Canadian public is subsidizing the homophobia of this Catholic School." Says Ethan Clow, CFI Vancouver Executive Director.

CFI is the leading organization advancing church-state separation in Canada, It’s mandate is to promote science, critical thinking and secular humanism.

Contact:

Ethan Clow

Executive Director, CFI Vancouver

eclow@cficanada.ca

604-616-1311