|
We have discovered that at least 18 Ontario municipalities are engaging in the practice of reciting the Lord's Prayer at the opening of their council meetings. As you are no doubt aware, both as Minister responsible for municipalities and as a lawyer, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled this municipal practice as illegal and contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, in the case of Freitag v. Town of Penetanguishene (1999). We have written to these councils, pointing out their error and asking them to comply with the law of Ontario. A list is attached. I attach a sample copy of our letter as well as the list of municipalities to which it has been sent. There may be far more than 18 municipalities in breach of the law in this regard, but their Minutes and Agendas do not state precisely that they are opening with the Lord's Prayer, only stating "prayer". I am sure that you agree that it is untenable, in a country that lives by the rule of law, for any official government body to openly break the law. We, therefore, ask that you communicate with all municipal councils and advise them to comply with the law of Ontario and not to recite the Lord's Prayer or engage in any religious rituals specific to a particular faith. We would appreciate your confirmation that you will ensure that public bodies under your jurisdiction are complying with the Court of Appeal's ruling. Thank you. _____________________________ Henry Beissel, President.
|