Trinity Western University v British Columbia College of Teachers

Trinity Western University v British Columbia College of Teachers
Supreme Court of Canada
Hearing: November 9, 2000 Judgment: May 17, 2001
Full case name	British Columbia College of Teachers v Trinity Western University and Donna Gail Lindquist
Citations	{{{citations}}}
Court membership
Chief Justice: Beverley McLachlin Puisne Justices: Claire L'Heureux-Dubé, Charles Gonthier, Frank Iacobucci, John C. Major, Michel Bastarache, Ian Binnie, Louise Arbour, Louis LeBel
Reasons given
Majority	Iacobucci and Bastarache JJ., joined by McLachlin C.J. and Gonthier, Major, Binnie, Arbour and LeBel JJ.
Dissent	L’Heureux-Dubé J.

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.

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."

See also

• List of Supreme Court of Canada cases (McLachlin Court)
• Multani v. Commission scolaire Marguerite‑Bourgeoys

External links

• Full text of Supreme Court of Canada decision available at LexUM and CanLII
• The Supreme Court of Canada will hear the Trinity Western University Teacher Certification Challenge November 9 news release from Trinity Western University
• intervener factum of the Christian legal fellowship
• intervener factum of the BC civil liberties association