Decision expected today in legal battle over accrediting Christian law school

VANCOUVER – The British Columbia Court of Appeal is expected to rule today on whether graduates of a proposed law school at a Christian university would be allowed to work in B.C.

The decision marks the latest development in Trinity Western University’s quest to clinch cross-country accreditation for its future lawyers.

The Law Society of B.C. opted to not recognize future graduates because of Trinity’s requirement that students sign a so-called community covenant pledging that sexual intimacy should only occur within a heterosexual marriage.

The society said the policy discriminates against gays and lesbians hoping to enter the legal profession.

Late last year, B.C. Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Vancouver-area university.

Trinity’s code of conduct has stirred up controversy elsewhere, with both Nova Scotia and Ontario’s law societies challenging the school’s push for recognition.