Chief Justice Cites Prom Case As Proof Constitution Works
by Ben Thompson
365Gay.com National Editor

(May 14, Charlottetown, PEI) The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada calls the case of a Toronto area teen who took a school board to court when it tried to prevent him from going to a high school prom with his boyfriend a powerful example of the strength of the Constitution.

Justice Beverley McLachlin, speaking at commencement ceremonies at the University of Prince Edward Island, told students to fight for " the rights and freedoms that make Canada so unique."

McLachlin said: "We saw it in the prom case that is in the headlines although I will say no more since it is quite possible it might one day find its way to the [Supreme Court].''

Marc Hall won an injunction to prevent the Durham Region Catholic School Board from preventing him and his boyfriend from attending the prom.

"The fact that individuals have the power to use the Charter to their advantage [speaks of] their visions of social justice,'' McLachlin said.

"Whatever you embark on, whatever your chosen profession, you can help [protect those values and freedoms],'' she said.

"Our country has provided you with the tools, sound mind and body, a good education . . . whether you work through the Charter or in some other field under the protection of guarantees you can create social justice.''

McLachlin, who was raised in Alberta, has degrees in philosophy and law. At the age of 37 she gained a full professorship in the University of British Columbia law faculty. Several years later she was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia, then to the Court of Appeal, and finally to an appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. In 1989, she was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, and in 2000 she became the chief justice of Canada's highest court.

Posted 12:31 am, May 14, 2002
©365Gay.com Ltd® 2002

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