Free to Believe investigates the protection for freedom of conscience and religion – the first of the “fundamental freedoms” listed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – and its interpretation in the courts. Through an examination of decided cases that touches on the most controversial issues of our day, such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and minority religious practices, Mary Anne Waldron examines how the law has developed in the way that it has, the role that freedom of conscience and religion play in our society, and the role it could play in making it a more open, peaceful, and democratic place.

While the range of cases explored will be of interest to scholars, Free to Believe is also written in an accessible style, with legal terms and concepts explained for those who wish to learn accurate, detailed information about the impact of the law on contemporary social policy issues. As such, this book widens the debate about this fundamental freedom and the influence of public opinion on what is often a misrepresented and misunderstood issue.

Mary Anne Waldron is a professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Victoria.

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• Winner, Outstanding Academic Title awarded by CHOICE
• Winner, Canadian Law and Society Association Book Prize

‘This uniquely brilliant contribution to the study of diverse social values is also timely as the Quebec government endeavors to inscribe Quebec society’s putative values in a controversial charter… Highly recommended.’

Choice Magazine vol 51:08:2014

‘This thought provoking book provides readers with a valuable perspective for modern democratic issues.’

Saskatchewan Law Review vol 77:2014