
A Christian university in British Columbia wants to add a law school -- but the Council of Canadian Law Deans opposes it because the school would follow biblical principles on homosexuality.
Trinity Western University, located near Vancouver, is no stranger to controversy. Employees, instructors, and students must sign a covenant that, in part, says they will refrain from homosexual conduct. "In keeping with biblical and TWU ideals, community members voluntarily abstain from ... sexual intimacy that violates the sacredness of marriage between a man and a woman," it reads. Yet homosexual "marriage" is legal in Canada.
Trinity Western University, located near Vancouver, is no stranger to controversy. Employees, instructors, and students must sign a covenant that, in part, says they will refrain from homosexual conduct. "In keeping with biblical and TWU ideals, community members voluntarily abstain from ... sexual intimacy that violates the sacredness of marriage between a man and a woman," it reads. Yet homosexual "marriage" is legal in Canada.

Anyone violating the school's covenant is subject to dismissal or expulsion, yet no such action has been taken in the school's history. However, if the school were to take action, it would violate Canadian law.
CTV, a Canadian television outlet, asked TWU president Jonathan Raymond why the school does not simply change its policy. "Because, you know, we feel that it's part of our identity as a Christian university to affirm an ideal and a standard," he replied.
The school's covenant also bans actions such as gossip, vulgar language, pornography, and alcohol consumption on campus.
But the Council of Canadian Law Deans complains that the policy at issue "expressly discriminates" against homosexual students and is in direct contrast to the core values held by every other law school in the country.
Even though the Council is opposing the move, Trinity Western University has communicated with lawyers, judges, and academics who are not opposed. If it materializes, Trinity will be the first Christian law school in Canada.
CTV, a Canadian television outlet, asked TWU president Jonathan Raymond why the school does not simply change its policy. "Because, you know, we feel that it's part of our identity as a Christian university to affirm an ideal and a standard," he replied.
The school's covenant also bans actions such as gossip, vulgar language, pornography, and alcohol consumption on campus.
But the Council of Canadian Law Deans complains that the policy at issue "expressly discriminates" against homosexual students and is in direct contrast to the core values held by every other law school in the country.
Even though the Council is opposing the move, Trinity Western University has communicated with lawyers, judges, and academics who are not opposed. If it materializes, Trinity will be the first Christian law school in Canada.