Loyola wins fight over ethics course, government plans appeal

Loyola High School won its fight with the province's education department

The high school is a Jesuit Catholic institution, and did not want to teach a non-denominational ethics course. Photo Credits: CTV News.

The Quebec government is planning to appeal a superior court ruling that has granted Loyola High School the right to opt out of teaching a provincially imposed course on ethics and morality.

The private high school in Montreal's west end is a Jesuit Catholic institution. It fought an order from the province's education department to teach a non-denominational ethics course, implemented two years ago, that would take a secular approach to introducing students to a variety of religions -- from Judaism to Aboriginal spirituality.

"I think it's pretty safe to assume that we'll be appealing this ruling," said Charest.

Education Minister Michelle Courchesne added: "It is a difficult judgment that's for sure."

Justice Gerard Dugre rendered his decision Friday, and ruled that the province was violating the school's freedom of religion -- which is guaranteed by Quebec's charter of rights.

For full story, see CTV Montreal's website.