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TORONTO — Forcing would-be Canadians to take an oath to the Queen as a condition of citizenship is constitutional, even if it does violate free-speech rights, an Ontario court ruled Friday.

In his ruling, Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Morgan dismissed an application by three permanent residents, who argued the requirement was discriminatory and unjust.

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“The oath of citizenship is a form of compelled speech,” Morgan states.

“But it is saved by Section 1 [of the charter] as a reasonable limit on the right of expression that is justifiable in a free and democratic society.”

Morgan also ruled the oath does not violate either religious or equality rights as the applicants claimed.

Selwyn Pieters, one of the lawyers involved, said they were considering an appeal.

“The finding that the oath violates freedom of expression is a positive step,” Pieters said.

“But it is disappointing that the ruling found the violation to be demonstrably justified.”