Tribunal rules on employee lifestyle and morality statement

    TORONTO, April 25 /CNW/ - The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario released
its decision in the case of Connie Heintz v. Christian Horizons. The decision
has a significant impact for faith-based and other organizations that provide
services to the general public. Such organizations must ensure their hiring
policies and practices do not unreasonably restrict or exclude the employment
of persons based on grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
    Ms. Heintz, an individual of deep Christian faith, and a model employee
for five years with Christian Horizons, was providing care and support to
individuals with developmental disabilities. Like other employees, when first
hired, Ms. Heintz was required to sign a Lifestyle and Morality Statement,
which prohibits, among other things, homosexual relationships. After several
years, Ms. Heintz came to terms with her sexual orientation as a lesbian. When
Christian Horizons discovered this, they advised her that she was not
complying with the Statement and required her to leave the organization.
    Christian Horizons describes itself as an Evangelical Christian Ministry
that provides care and residential services to 1,400 developmentally disabled
individuals of all races, creeds and sexual orientations. With over 180
residential homes across Ontario, and 2,500 employees, Christian Horizons is
the largest provider of community living services in the province, funded
almost exclusively by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.
    The Tribunal ruled that Christian Horizons could not require its
employees to sign the Statement. It found that Christian Horizons is primarily
engaged in serving the disability-related needs of its clients, and the
prohibition on homosexual relationships was not a legitimate job requirement
for providing quality care and support to disabled residents.
    In addition to awarding Ms. Heintz lost wages, general damages and
damages for mental anguish, the decision sets out that Christian Horizons
will: no longer require employees to sign a lifestyle and morality statement;
develop anti-discrimination policies; provide training to all employees and
managers; and review all of its employment policies to ensure that they are in
compliance with the Code.
    "This decision is important," commented Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall,
"because it sets out that when faith-based and other organizations move beyond
serving the interests of their particular community to serving the general
public, the rights of others, including employees, must be respected."
    For more information, please visit the Ontario Human Rights Commission's
website: www.ohrc.on.ca.

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For further information: Afroze Edwards, Sr. Communications Officer,
Policy & Education Branch, (416) 314-4528