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from Gay Activism in the Schools
Canadian Evangelical Group
Defends NARTH Member
April 28, 2005 -
The Canadian Religious Freedom Alliance (CRFA) has filed a legal brief on behalf
of Dr. Chris Kempling, a school counselor and NARTH member.
Dr. Kempling was suspended by school officials for three months for publicly
expressing opposition to gay marriage and homosexual behaviors in a series of
letters to local newspapers.
The CRFA has filed a "factum" with the British Columbia Court of Appeals to have
his suspension overturned. This alliance includes the Evangelical Fellowship of
Canada; the Christian Teachers Association; Catholic Civil Rights League; and
the Christian Legal Fellowship.
The factum explains that Kempling's freedom of religion and expression have been
violated by his suspension. According to the CRFA, the Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedom does not limit free speech to a person's personal life, but
protects free speech and religion in a person's professional capacity as well.
Ruth Ross, with the Christian Legal Fellowship says that "Upholding the B.C.
Supreme Court ruling [decision against Kempling] would create a chilling effect
on professionals speaking out on matters of public interest especially if they
wish to speak out on the unpopular, controversial or 'politically incorrect'
side of an issue, for fear of incurring the wrath of their professional body for
'conduct unbecoming a professional.'"
The factum provides a chronology of the events leading up to Dr. Kempling's
suspension from his duties as a school counselor: Dr. Kempling's Factum.
Dr. Kempling has detailed the history of his persecution for speaking out
against the normalization of homosexuality in Canada. Kempling's speech to the
2003 NARTH conference is reprinted here: Colliding World Views.
Updated: 8 February 2008
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