Christians have rallied for free speech rights in London as the Court of Appeal hears the case of a Christian school worker dismissed from her job for gross misconduct over LGBT+ comments.
Kristie Higgs, was dismissed by Farmor’s School in Fairford in 2019, after she expressed concerns about the introduction of LGBT+ relationship education at her son's Church of England primary school on Facebook.
In a display of support for Higgs and the right to freedom of speech, numerous Christians involved in high-profile free speech cases gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, ahead of the hearing.
Members of the Freedom Rally – some of whom have lost their jobs and careers for expressing their Christian views, are calling for the introduction of free speech protections for Christian employees.
Higgs’ posts, which were shared with about 100 friends under her maiden name in 2018, criticised the “No Outsiders in Our School” programme. She questioned the appropriateness of teaching young children about gender identity and same-sex relationships and in one post, referred to the initiative as “brainwashing our children.”
An anonymous complaint was lodged with the school, leading to a six-hour disciplinary hearing and her eventual dismissal for bringing the school into disrepute.
Higgs, who has maintained that her Christian beliefs were central to her objections, argues that her rights to religious freedom and free speech were violated. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, she took the school to an employment tribunal, claiming unlawful discrimination based on her faith.
In 2020 the tribunal ruled that while her religion was a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, the school had lawfully dismissed her, stating that her posts could be perceived as homophobic and transphobic.
After an appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal, which ruled in her favour, the case was sent back for a new tribunal hearing. Higgs is now challenging this decision, seeking a final ruling from the Court of Appeal that would prevent another tribunal from being held.
Ahead of the hearing, Higgs stated, “No one should be sacked for raising the concerns that I did in the way that I did. My posts were a warning, and I pray the Court of Appeal will protect Christian employees and parents’ freedom to express their beliefs without fear of being silenced.”
The hearing, which could have significant implications for religious freedom and free speech in the workplace, is expected to conclude on Thursday.
