|
Supreme Court hears Hutterite driver’s licence appeal |
|
|
|
Written by Lethbridge Herald
|
|
Tuesday, October 07 2008, 10:59 PM |
An oral judgment is expected to be given within the next 48 hours by the Supreme Court of Canada on whether Hutterites can legally refuse to be photographed for their driver’s licences on religious grounds.
It’s a case that is in the hands of Canada’s highest court following a 2-1 decision in May 2007 when the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled members of the Wilson Hutterite Colony just south of Coaldale can continue to receive driver’s licences without pictures because forcing them to be photographed violates their religious beliefs.
For nearly 30 years, Hutterian Brethren were issued licences without photos, but in May 2003 the Alberta government passed legislation requiring photo identification for all drivers.
However, the Hutterites believe the Bible’s second commandment, which bans “graven images,” prohibits them from willingly having their photo taken.
The Alberta government took the case to the Supreme Court of Canada in a final bid to overturn the exemption, arguing advances in technology designed to enhance the security of driver’s licences and help prevent fraud, identity theft and terrorism, have made it necessary for photos to be used on licences.
The government further contends too many people would take advantage of a religious exception to the photo ID rule.
Lethbridge lawyer Greg Senda represents members of the Wilson Hutterite Colony, but was unavailable for comment Tuesday.
If granted, the appeal could break new ground legally in that constitutional precedents argued in Court of Queen’s Bench and the Alberta Court of Appeal were previous decisions from the Canadian Supreme Court.
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, August 10 2009, 2:34 PM )
|
