You might remember “Bob,” the Calgary police sergeant who filed a human rights commission complaint against the overly Christian practices within the Calgary Police Service. Unfortunately the newly appointed Director of Human Rights in the province has dismissed his complaint. It would seem that the Director took a very narrow view of the complaint, limiting it only to the instances cited in the initial year and not looking at the matter as an ongoing systemic issue.
For example, the chapel was not viewed as a church/chapel, because it had received a change in name (though not in function), and a prayer delivered by the police service’s head chaplain on the steps of City Hall was referred to as “a short reflection that acknowledged various faiths, traditions, and communities,” and stated no evidence of any adverse impacts. (The Supreme Court of Canada disagreed when a similar argument was made in Saguenay, Quebec.) Little consideration seems to have been placed on the hosting of faith-based Bible courses or concerns that the Honour Guard attended the Calgary Leadership Prayer Breakfast or partnerships with groups like the Salvation Army.
I think we all know and understand the importance of our public services being delivered to all citizens equitably. We know that state actors must be religiously neutral, and not favour or hinder any belief over others, including non-belief. That does not seem to have been the case here. There is some good news in that “Bob” has the opportunity to request a review of this decision. (This appeal will come with some attached expense, as guidance from an experienced lawyer will be required.)
Bob has stepped up and called out what he believes is inappropriate behaviour within a police service for the 53 percent of members within the organization that are not religious or have no religious affiliation. More broadly, the public that they serve we will be working with humanist groups to help raise some funds to make positive case law. We hope this helps set some precedent on what is deemed appropriate use of public funds on matters of religion, and foster respect for the principle of secularism.
CFIC is working with our partners at Secular Connexion Séculière to help support Sergeant Bob’s appeal. If you would like to show your support for the importance of public secularism, please donate to “Sgt Bob’s” Human Rights Appeal Fund.