CHURCH SEEKS EXEMPTION TO POT LAWS

Devotees 'find God through cannabis'

A constitutional challenge by two members of the "Church of the
Universe" busted on drug charges was back in court Tuesday.

Church of the Universe lawyer Paul Lewin kicked off four days of
closing submissions Tuesday by arguing the defence has proven the
belief of the church members is sincere and based on a nexus with religion.

"They really do find God through cannabis," he said. "Canada has a
long history of religious tolerance.

"It's like hockey, we are good at it. We're world leaders."

Brothers Peter Styrsky, 53, and Shahrooz Kharaghani, 31, both
minister-members of the Beaches Mission of God-Assembly of The Church
of the Universe, in the Beaches, were charged with trafficking
marijuana after they allegedly sold pot to two undercover cops who
infiltrated their "congregation" in 2006.

Lawyers for the church are seeking an exemption to the country's
marijuana laws from Madam Justice Thea Herman, saying it infringes on
their religious rights.

The ministers' lawyers are asking Herman to strike down the laws
prohibiting the possession, cultivation and distribution of
cannabis-related substances because it violates the church's right to
practise its religion.

The trial is expected to go on until at least Friday.

It is believed to be the first time a Canadian court has been asked
to define what is a religion and whether its illegal practices are
protected by the Charter of Rights.