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Ontario Bill 167

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.

March 19, 2024

Orthodox Christian Week Act, 2024

Second Reading Ordered referred to Standing Committee
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Government Page

This bill, called the Orthodox Christian Week Act of 2024, proclaims a seven-day period each year starting on Orthodox Easter Sunday as Orthodox Christian Week in Ontario. It recognizes the importance of Orthodox Easter Sunday to the Orthodox Christian faith and celebrates the unique culture, traditions, and history of Orthodox Christians in Ontario and around the world.

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SteelmanSpren in Favour

A steelman argument in favor of Bill 167 2024, the Orthodox Christian Week Act, could be as follows: Proclaiming Orthodox Christian Week in Ontario is a way to recognize and celebrate the unique faith, culture, traditions, and history of Orthodox Christians in the province and around the world. The Orthodox Christian Church has a significant number of followers globally, and in Ontario, Orthodox Christians have been a part of the community for generations, contributing to the diverse cultural fabric of the province. By designating a specific week to honor Orthodox Christian traditions, it promotes inclusivity and respect for religious diversity, fostering a sense of unity and understanding among different faith communities. This Act acknowledges the importance of faith as a central aspect of many people's culture and identity, and by officially recognizing Orthodox Christian Week, it demonstrates a commitment to upholding religious freedom and cultural heritage within the province.

SteelmanSpren Against

A steelman argument opposing Bill 167, the Orthodox Christian Week Act, 2024, from a right-wing anti-government perspective could be as follows: While recognizing the importance of religious freedom and cultural diversity, the government should not be in the business of officially proclaiming specific religious observances. By singling out Orthodox Christian Week for special recognition, the government is showing favoritism towards one particular religious group over others. This sets a dangerous precedent of government interference in religious matters and could lead to further attempts to impose specific religious beliefs on the population. Furthermore, the government should not be using taxpayer money and resources to promote religious observances. Proclaiming Orthodox Christian Week could be seen as an unnecessary use of government resources that could be better spent on more pressing issues. It is not the role of the government to dictate how individuals should practice their faith or to elevate one religion above others. In a free society, individuals should have the right to practice their religion without government interference or endorsement. Proclaiming Orthodox Christian Week could be seen as government overreach and an infringement on the separation of church and state. It is important to uphold the principle of religious neutrality in government actions to ensure that all citizens are treated equally regardless of their religious beliefs. In conclusion, while recognizing the cultural significance of Orthodox Christian Easter, the government should refrain from officially proclaiming Orthodox Christian Week as it goes against the principles of religious freedom, government neutrality, and limited government intervention.