A new development has emerged in the case challenging the religious policy at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, as the Supreme Court has directed the school’s Board of Directors to respond to the allegations within 14 days.
The order follows claims by plaintiff Shafic Osman, who argues that the school’s rules compelling Muslim students to attend Christian services and restricting their religious practice violate the 1992 Constitution.
During proceedings on Tuesday, the seven-member panel presided over by Justice Gabriel Pwamang indicated that a formal response from the board was necessary for the court to properly establish the factual issues before it.
At the same sitting, the court granted Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai permission to file an amended statement of case on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
In the revised filing, the Attorney-General contends that Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, as an institution owned by the Methodist Church, is entitled to operate in accordance with its Christian principles.
He further argues that the school’s religious identity is not negated by the fact that it benefits from government funding, and that state support does not strip the institution of its right to maintain its faith-based character.
