Canadian Pastor Faces Arrest Over Apology Refusal
In a recent development in Calgary, Alberta, a Canadian pastor has sparked controversy by refusing to apologize for his previous protest against drag queen story hours at a public library. This refusal led to his arrest, drawing significant attention and raising questions about freedom of speech and religious beliefs in Canada.
Pastor Artur Pawlowski expressed his strong disapproval of the arrest of his friend, Pastor Derek Reimer, who was taken into custody after he did not comply with a court order to apologize to the Calgary Public Library manager. The apology was expected due to Reimer’s protest at a “Reading with Royalty” event in 2023, which involved drag queens reading to children. Pawlowski described the authorities as “wicked, evil minions of Satan.”
According to the Western Standard, Reimer had been arrested several times in 2023 for similar protests, including spending Easter weekend in jail. His actions were said to have violated a bylaw prohibiting protests within 100 meters of recreation facilities or library entrances. The Calgary Police confirmed Reimer’s arrest was due to “probation issued warrants for breach of a Conditional Sentence Order from a criminal harassment charge.”
The arrest was captured in a viral video on social media, where Reimer questioned the officers, asking if they were “the feelings police” before being handcuffed. A tweet from Derrick Evans emphasized concerns over free speech in Canada, stating, “Do you know why you are arresting this man? He refused to apologize for his religious beliefs…”
Pawlowski, known for his own legal battles during the COVID-19 pandemic for keeping his church open against court orders, compared Reimer’s situation to his own experiences. He accused Canadian authorities of using fear to deter others from opposing government actions, drawing parallels to his time in detention where he alleged mistreatment.
Further, Pawlowski highlighted ongoing concerns about freedom of speech in Canada, citing the potential implications of Bill C-9, which aims to remove religious exemptions from hate speech laws. He warned that this could lead to the prosecution of biblical teachings on sensitive issues.
Moreover, Pawlowski linked Reimer’s arrest to broader societal trends he perceives as a global agenda promoting sexual immorality. He referenced historical tactics of indoctrination, emphasizing the influence over youth as a means of shaping the future, drawing comparisons to regimes like Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
In his concluding remarks, Pawlowski asserted that figures like Reimer threaten such agendas, and that their outspoken nature poses a significant challenge to those in power. “The worst thing for those tyrants — wannabe pharaohs, as I call them — is exposure,” he stated. “They hate the truth. And who hates the truth? Who calls the truth hate? Those who hate the truth. To them, it’s hateful.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
