TORONTO, April 25 (UPI)

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Canada, Friday struck down a Christian care group’s policy of requiring employees to sign a morality agreement.

The tribunal ruled Christian Horizons, which operates more than 180 residential homes for some 1,400 developmentally challenged people in the province, infringed on rights by requiring its 2,500 employees to sign a “Lifestyle and Morality Statement.”

Among the conditions employees had to contractually state was they wouldn’t enter into same-sex relationships.

Employee Connie Heintz signed the agreement more than five years ago and a news release from the tribunal said she later “came to terms with her sexual orientation as a lesbian.”

When Christian Horizons learned of her lifestyle, she was told she had to resign, and she sought a rights ruling.

The tribunal ordered the group to pay Heintz lost wages, general damages and damages for mental anguish. It also ruled Christian Horizons can no longer require employees to sign a lifestyle and morality statement, must develop anti-discrimination policies and provide training to all employees and managers.

© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.