Christian social worker Felix Ngole will return to court this week to challenge a ruling that allowed an NHS provider, Touchstone Leeds to withdraw his job offer because of his Christian views on marriage and sexuality.
The Employment Appeal Tribunal in London will hear his case on 29–30 October.
Mr Ngole, who previously won a free speech case against the University of Sheffield in 2019, argues that the decision sets a “dangerous precedent” preventing Christians from working in roles that involve LGBTQ+ service users.
“I was told I was the best candidate for the job… then they suddenly found I was unemployable because they discovered that I am a Christian who believes in marriage,” he said. “It is untenable for employers to be allowed to discriminate against Christians in this way.”
Andrea Williams of the Christian Legal Centre called the original judgment “deeply discriminatory”, adding: “This ruling opens up the reality of employers denying work to anyone who does not celebrate and promote complete LGBT affirmation.”
The appeal will test whether traditional Christian beliefs can be considered incompatible with public sector roles, raising wider questions about freedom of religion and expression in the workplace.
Premier has contacted Touchstone Leeds for comment.