Pastor Derek Reimer faces ongoing legal battle over courthouse rally.
CALGARY: The Democracy Fund (TDF) continues to assist Pastor Derek Reimer as he faces ongoing legal challenges stemming from his peaceful protests. On May 8, 2025, Reimer was arrested for allegedly breaching his Conditional Sentence Order (CSO). Reimer, under a 12-month CSO with 24-hour house arrest, was permitted to leave the house for many reasons including to attend court, but when he attended court to contest the Crown’s appeal of his earlier acquittal, he was accused of breaching his house arrest by allegedly speaking to supporters on the courthouse steps.
Following his arrest on May 8, 2025, Reimer was denied bail at a hearing before Justice Karen Molle. Over the course of many additional court dates, the latest on June 23, 2025, oral submissions were made by Reimer’s lawyer, Andrew MacKenzie, and the Crown at a protracted hearing addressing the alleged CSO breach. The court’s partial decision is expected on July 9, 2025 or shortly thereafter. If the judge rules in favour of the Crown, Reimer may be required to serve the remainder of his conditional sentence in custody at the Calgary Remand Centre.
Andrew MacKenzie, Reimer’s lawyer, expressed concern over the Crown’s position, stating, “The Crown’s allegation that Pastor Reimer’s interaction with supporters breaches his conditions is an overreach that threatens fundamental freedoms. Arriving for court and engaging in a momentary expression of faith should not equate to an offence, much less an offence warranting incarceration.”
The Democracy Fund remains committed to defending Reimer’s rights to free expression and peaceful protest. This case follows the Crown’s appeal of Reimer’s September 24, 2024, acquittal on charges of mischief and causing a disturbance related to a February 25, 2023, protest at a drag story hour event at the Seton Library. The appeal decision, argued on May 2, 2025, is scheduled to be decided on July 9, 2025.
TDF senior litigation counsel Adam Blake-Gallipeau, expressed concern at the new breach charges, stating: "Every defendant in Canada has the right to defend themselves and, under normal circumstances, speak about their case in public should they so choose. The Charter applies even, and particularly, on the courthouse steps. We are confident that the court will find in our favour."
TDF will provide further updates as the court’s decisions on both the CSO breach and the Crown’s appeal are announced.
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education and supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.