A Mississauga, Ont., pastor who was fired from a Baptist church after coming out as transgender has filed a lawsuit for wrongful dismissal, alleging her termination was spurred by discrimination. Lorne Park Baptist Church said Wednesday that it went through a "process of attempting to discern God's will" after Joplin's announcement and did so in a "careful and thoughtful manner." Joplin said she hopes the lawsuit will help make Canada a more inclusive and safer place for trans people. As well, the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, with which Lorne Park Baptist Church is affiliated, has ordained women for more than 70 years, the document says. Lorne Park Baptist Church said it believes the exemption applies and the decision to fire Joplin was therefore lawful.

Source: CBC News August 11, 2021 12:44 UTC