TORONTO, ON: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that new legal arguments and evidence have been filed on Friday, April 10, 2026, in a case involving a former Ontario Tech University student whose religious objection to Covid vaccination was not recognized as a protected belief. The filed Application Record outlines the factual background and legal basis for the judicial review.

Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre are assisting Philip Anisimov, who was deregistered from his university program in 2022 after his request for a religious exemption from the Covid vaccine mandate was denied. Constitutional lawyer Hatim Kheir’s filings contest the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario’s original decision on the matter, as well as its subsequent refusal to reconsider the case.

Mr. Anisimov was studying engineering at Ontario Tech University when the province implemented vaccine requirements for post-secondary students in 2021. After requesting an accommodation based on his sincerely held religious beliefs, the University denied his request and removed him from his courses. As a result, he was forced to delay completing his degree, ultimately graduating a year later in 2023.

Mr. Kheir argues that the Tribunal applied an incorrect legal standard by requiring an “objective” basis for Mr. Anisimov’s beliefs, rather than recognizing that religious freedom protects sincerely held personal convictions with a connection to religion. The Applicant’s Factum sets out the detailed legal arguments challenging the Tribunal’s reasoning.

“By requiring an objective component, people’s religious beliefs become subject to the approval of religious authorities, which is contrary to human rights law,” said constitutional lawyer Hatim Kheir.

The case raises broader concerns about how human rights tribunals assess protection for religious beliefs and practices and whether individuals are free to interpret and live according to their own beliefs without discrimination.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026.