Share this Story: Kristopher Kinsinger: The arrest of Alberta pastor James Coates is a constitutional abnormalityKristopher Kinsinger: The arrest of Alberta pastor James Coates is a constitutional abnormality Coates’ ordeal is a sobering reminder of just how drastic pandemic restrictions are Photo by Larry Wong/Postmedia NewsArticle content Has it really come to this? Try refreshing your browser, or Kristopher Kinsinger: The arrest of Alberta pastor James Coates is a constitutional abnormality Back to video To wit, Pastor James Coates of the GraceLife Church of Edmonton was arrested on Feb. 16 after turning himself in to the RCMP. Article content Coates did not agree to the Crown’s conditions Coates thus remains free to preach and to minister to his congregation at applicable capacity limits. Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms affirms this through the twin guarantees of religious freedom and religious equality. But make no mistake, the constitutional cost of restricting peaceful assemblies — religious or otherwise — will eventually outweigh the relative public benefit.

Source: National Post February 23, 2021 17:37 UTC