The Australian Christian Lobby has described Friday's dismissal of an injunction to stop the takeover of Calvary public hospital as exposing "the vulnerability of all Australians to totalitarianism by law".
The ACT Supreme Court dismissed a bid to block what had been described as a "hostile" takeover of Calvary, paving the way for the territory government to acquire the public hospital.
Justice David Mossop announced the decision on behalf of a full bench of the court on Friday afternoon.
The full court is yet to provide its reasons for the decision, but it also dismissed Calvary's application for an injunction to prevent the government exercising powers under the controversial takeover legislation.
"It is a sad reality that if this takeover goes ahead, as now seems likely, Canberra will lose its best hospital to the hurt of Canberrans," ACL's ACT political director Rob Norman said.
"While there may be avenues of appeal, the decision reveals that governments which are minded to tear up solemn agreements because of their ideological bent, may often succeed in the short term.
"The ordinary person or business has little or no protection against a state determined to impose its view on its people."
"When rampant anti-life sentiment rules, we all suffer.
"However, just as the first Calvary signified life through death, this loss may be the beginning of a new determination to resist totalitarianism and work for freedom for faith and conscience.
"When it takes possession on July 3, the large blue cross atop the hospital will be removed, together with the pro-life ethics that have been the hospital's bedrock for the last 44 years.
"The ACL calls on all ACT people of faith to remember Calvary Hospital as they await the next election. May Calvary usher in new life in the ACT," Mr Norman said.
The court is yet to make findings about regulations that relate to the terms of the acquisition, including how the government will compensate Calvary.
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