Ottawa, Canada - Just as it is acceptable to sip wine at the altar, marijuana should also be allowed to be toked at church, say two ordained ministers who have launched a multi-million dollar class-action lawsuit against Ottawa.
Rev. Edwin Pearson and Rev. Michel Ethier, along with lay preacher James Hoad, filed a statement of claim with the Federal Court of Canada alleging that members of the Church of the Universe are constantly being harassed and "denuded" of their dignity as they are often searched and stripped of their "sacramental cannabis."
Ethier has been convicted of marijuana possession six times since 1998.
The lawsuit names several breaches under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is claiming $9,000 worth of damages for each of the church's 4,000 members it represents. It also seeks $25 million in punitive damages.