Fact Sheet
Creed Discrimination
In December 2015 the Ontario Human Rights Commission released an updated policy on preventing discrimination based on Creed. With the changing landscape in Canada, the Commission began receiving complaints from people regarding barriers faced based on their Creed. There is a strong correlation between groups of people who experience discrimination based on Creed with faithism (a phobia developed because of your beliefs) racism and xenophobia. According to the Commission, the result of these phobias can lead to the following:
- Unfair treatment
- People being afraid to disclose their creed
- Forced to choose between creed and employment or services
It is also important to note that someone who has no affiliation to a creed can also cite creed as a discriminatory ground. In instances like this, the person is treated differently because of having no belief system or is forced to participate in creed related events.
What is Creed?
Creed is not defined in the Code but it includes religion. It can be defined however as a sincerely held belief which means honesty of belief and it should be generally assumed on good faith unless legitimate reason to believe otherwise. Where further inquiry is warranted, it should be as limited as necessary. This belief system influences a person’s identity, way of life and a sense of fulfilment.
Remember, with associated belief:
- Perfection is not required
- It is not about the strength of the belief
- It must consider the context where the belief has been compromised
The belief system can be grounded to the five areas of focus.
- It is a sincerely freely and deeply held belief ( this does not need confirmed documentation).
- It is integrally linked to a person’s identity (A religious belief or commitment that is deeply rooted … as an element of the individual’s identity, rather than simply a choice or judgement she or he has made. –Supreme Court of Canada-).
- It is a comprehensive, overarching belief system (this can sometimes be subjective).
- It is usually connected to a community that professes a shared belief system.
Source: The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)