Canada's High Court Will Review Case On Religious Exemption From License Photos

The Supreme Court of Canada yesterday agreed that it would hear an appeal in Province of Alberta v. Hutterian Brethren of Wilson Colony, a case raising the question of whether Alberta can refuse to issue drivers' licenses to Hutterites who refuse on religious grounds to have their photographs on their licenses. In May, a lower court held that the refusal violated the Hutterites freedom of religion protected by Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (See prior posting.) Today's Alberta Sun reports on the Supreme Court's action, quoting provincial officials who emphasize the security concerns that led to requiring photos.