La liberté de religion et les intérêts de l'enfant au Canada
First, the author analyses five reasons that may be advanced to justify freedom of religion: tolerance, rationality, utilitarianism, perfectionism and neutrality. Then, the author generally sets out the mechanisms by which freedom of religion is interpreted in Canada. These two preliminary steps lead to a critical analysis of the interaction between freedom of religion and children's rights and interests. The author submits that when a legal situation involves freedom of religion and the fundamental interests or rights of children that are not capable of autonomous choices, the Supreme Court does not apply a proportionality test and, generally, courts should not apply it. The author concludes that the fundamental rights and interests of children are preponderant.
Restrictions Section 1 Section 2a) Proportionality test Custody Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Right to Decide Medical Treatment