By LifeSiteNews.com Staff
VANCOUVER, November 16, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In a decision released November 15, Christian teacher Chris Kempling was denied the right to present his religious discrimination case against the Quesnel School Board to the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Kempling brought the case after he was disciplined by the board for granting an interview to CBC Radio in December, 2003. In the interview, which was conducted by phone on his Christmas vacation, Kempling explained the orientation change therapy services which he offers as part of his private counselling practice. Kempling, who holds two masters degrees and a doctorate in psychology, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and a clinical member of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.
“It seems to me that it’s open season on Christians,” stated Kempling.“If I can’t discuss the services of my private Christian counselling practice on my own time, where is the freedom of speech that is supposed to be guaranteed by the Charter? The school board presented no evidence whatsoever that anyone from the public had complained about the broadcast. And now I can’t even argue my case or present any witnesses to support my claim of discrimination. It’s very frustrating.”
The Tribunal’s decision stated that the case had “no chance of success” based on the recent BC Court of Appeal decision against Kempling in June of this year. That decision, in a related case against the BC College of Teachers, is now being reviewed by the Supreme Court of Canada, which will decide early next year whether or not to hear the case.
Kempling intends to keep fighting for the rights of Christians to participate freely in public debate. He intends to run for parliament in the upcoming federal election as a candidate for the Christian Heritage Party of Canada in the Cariboo-Prince George federal riding. “It appears to that this may be the last way for Christians to be allowed to exercise free speech in this country,” stated Kempling. “When we can’t even argue our case before a Human Rights Tribunal, and the courts state that no evidence is necessary to discipline an employee, what recourse do we have left?”
Rev. Tristan Emmanuel, a leader in the movement to defend the family in Canada told LifeSiteNews.com that the decision was an outrage.“Dr. Kempling isn’t the only victim. All people of good will and conscience have been victimized by the tyranny of a few who are so desperate to legitimize a particular lifestyle that they will stop at nothing to strip away the fundamental rights of their critics, including one of the most fundamental rights of a free and democratic society, the right of dissent,” said Emmanuel.
Of the human rights tribunal, Emmanuel said, “The B.C. Human Right’s Tribunal decision has made it clear that its not about tolerance – it’s is about the suppression of all opposition – a type of jihad against free speech and freedom of religion.” Rev. Emmanuel concluded, “Is this what it means to be Canadian?”