Quebec City, Canada, Aug 10, 2008 / 18:16 pm
Jean Tremblay, mayor of the Quebec city of Saguenay, has reaffirmed his intention to continue to pray before monthly city hall meetings despite criticisms, a Human Rights Commission (HRC) ruling, and further possible legal action.
"My religion has always been more important than my career. I go to Mass every day. I have no intention of betraying my faith, I'd be too ashamed to show up 'on the other side' in front of God," said Tremblay, according to news reports.
Canada’s Human Rights Commission on May 15 ordered the mayor to stop praying before the meetings after citizen Christian Joncas filed a complaint. A second complaint has been filed by Alain Simoneau on behalf of the Mouvement laïc québécois, which could involve a $100,000 lawsuit.
Tremblay said he has prayed for the two men, but said he will not stop the prayers without a majority consensus from his city’s citizens.