Religious Liberty Possibly at Stake in Brampton, Ontario; ‘Places of Worship’ Policy Review Back on Table

In a serious limitation on religious liberty, faith groups are again rallying in Brampton, Ontario on the news that the city’s controversial ‘Places of Worship’ policy review may be back on the table today, despite widespread criticism against the study’s earlier recommendations first proposed by Brampton city council in 2008. The original review set restrictions on the freedom of religious groups (including churches, temples, synagogues and mosques) to meet, worship and construct new buildings. Local churches could risk losing property tax-exempt status, congregation sizes could be restricted and religious meetings in homes involving more than twenty people could be prohibited. The original 2008 recommendations were returned to the drawing board after religious leaders united in opposition to the plan, forming the Brampton Faith Coalition in response. Led by Kevin Begley, Senior Pastor of one of the city’s fastest growing churches, Harvest Worship Centre, the coalition garnered country-wide support, including endorsements by the Canada Family Action Coalition and the ECP Centre. Critics of the plan, including the ECP Centre, will be closely monitoring the situation as the new recommendations become public.

Public date: April 20th, 2009
Categories: News
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