Toronto G-13 Church of the Universe members learn Monday, Feb. 7 2011, whether their constitutional challenge to the marijuana laws prohibiting them from using cannabis as sacrament succeeds. The ruling will be announced Monday morning 10 a.m. at University Avenue courthouse. Reverends and witnesses from the case, which took place over several weeks in the summer, will be in attendance. Numerous marijuana activists, including myself and Toronto Hash Mob may be there. There was talk of a Hash Mob honor guard, but we’d rather listen to the ruling inside a courtroom than stand outside in the cold.
Anticipation is high for a win.
Their constitutional challenge argues Church of the Universe members must be permitted a religious exemption from Canada marijuana laws. It seeks to grant both accused reverends an exemption to possess, grow and distribute marijuana sacrament. This would be the first reefer religious exemption of its kind. Akin to when Canada issued the Catholic Church an exemption for alcohol when booze was prohibited. This allowed priests to partake in the sacramental wine without breaking our laws.
G-13 lawyer Paul Lewin called an extensive amount of evidence to demonstrate smoking doobies creates spiritual enlightenment for some people. The prosecutor objected and fought tooth and nail. An epic courtroom battle, between Hamilton, ON Rev. Chris Lawson and the crown, unfurled with the two literally fighting over a bible. While holding the bible steadfastly from the prosecutors grip, Rev. Lawson cited many biblical marijuana passages.
Church of the universe patrons ought to be protected like other religions from an intrusive overbearing government. Toronto Police Service shouldn’t have raided their Beaches located church many, many years ago. They should be allowed to practice their religious beliefs, inhale marijuana, in their home and in their church.
The effects of marijuana are spiritual for them.
Monday, Feb. 7 is a historic day for the marijuana movement! Enthusiasts and activists are encouraged to support the reverend brothers at 10 a.m. University Ave. courthouse in their quest to win a religious exemption from the Control Drugs and Substance Act.
Will a marijuana religious freedom ruling go in our favour or the neo-Cons?
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