Shariah and rules that govern religious practices in other faiths are not to be feared, spiritual leaders say

Good discussion with a number of religious leaders and experts in the context of M-103, and helpful reminder that religious laws do not trump criminal and civil laws:

Religious laws apply to a believer’s spiritual life. They don’t trump Canada’s Criminal Code, civil law or other statutes.

Sometimes, secular courts are even called upon to judge whether a faith-based decision is fair.

On Nov. 2, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear from an Alberta man appealing a decision made by a Jehovah’s Witnesses’ judicial committee.

Elders disfellowshipped — or expelled — Randy Wall when they decided the Calgary man was not sufficiently repentant for two drunken incidents where he allegedly verbally abused his wife.

Courts are sometimes are asked to judge the fairness of a religious rule or decision. The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear the case of a Jehovah’s Witness who was expelled for alleged verbal abuse of his wife. (Chris Wattie/Canadian Press)

In 2007, Canada’s top court ruled in favour of a woman who took action against her ex-husband for refusing to grant her a religious Jewish divorce, known as a get.

“The consequences to women deprived of a get and loyal to their faith are severe,” Justice Rosalie Abella wrote.

“They may not remarry within their faith, even though civilly divorced. If they do remarry, children from a second civil marriage are considered illegitimate and restricted from practising their religion.”

Open to interpretation and abuse

Religious rules though, have always been open to interpretation and, at times, vulnerable to abuse.

Jebara said that’s what we’re seeing today in some parts of the world, where Islamist “extremists have usurped Shariah and are doing crazy, awful stuff.”

He compared it to how, in medieval times, some Catholics burned alleged heretics at the stake.

“Those were politically-based edicts,” said Jebara.

So when people express concern about Shariah law coming to Canada, Jebara said he understands.

“It’s like in the old days when you were afraid of monsters under the bed. It’s not because there are monsters under the bed. It’s because it’s dark.”

This decision by elders of the congregation required Wall’s wife and children to shun him. Wall, a real estate agent, alleges the shunning caused him to lose a large number of Jehovah’s Witnesses clients.