Felix Ngole, a Christian social worker who had a job offer rescinded after his prospective employer discovered his LGBT views, says he will appeal a tribunal which ruled he was discriminated against.

In April, a Leeds tribunal heard that Ngole had been offered a job by health charity, Touchstone Leeds. However, when the organisation’s management team conducted an internet search on him, they learned that he had expressed the religious belief that homosexuality is a sin.

Touchstone had already agreed that Ngole was the best-qualified candidate for the job of a mental health support worker, but called him in for a second interview and retracted their offer, on the basis that an LGBT patient may harm themselves if they found out Ngole’s view on homosexuality.

Cameroon-born Ngole, 46, argued that his views would not prevent him from caring for an LGBT patient.

The April tribunal ruled that he had been unfairly discriminated against – however, Ngole is seeking an appeal on the grounds that the judgement used “disturbing” language, which could leave open the possibility for prospective employees to be discriminated against in future.

The ruling by Judge Brian stated: “The expression of his beliefs rooted in his religion was a material reason for the decision taken by Touchstone to withdraw the conditional job offer on June 10 2022. The direct discrimination claim must therefore succeed.

“Offering a second meeting or interview was the least intrusive way of proceeding” and “it is difficult to see how being properly questioned about that suitability once his orthodox Christian views had come to light reasonably could be considered a violation of his dignity or to create an intimidating environment for him.”

On Monday 1st July, Mr Ngole said: “I am pleased that the tribunal found that I was discriminated against, but there are so many disturbing comments and conclusions in it as well which leaves me with no choice but to appeal.

“The ruling ultimately sets a dangerous precedent as it gives employers the freedom to block Christians, and anyone who doesn’t promote LGBTQI+ ideology, from employment.”

Andrea Williams is Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which has supported Ngole’s case. She said: “This ruling opens up the reality of employers discriminating against and denying employment to anyone who does not celebrate and promote complete LGBT affirmation.

“We are creating a society where social workers, doctors, nurses and psychologists, for example, have to be silent or face accusations that merely holding their protected beliefs could lead to patients coming to harm.”

Touchstone stated: “We very clearly and publicly pride ourselves on being a strong ally to the LGBTQI+ community, as well as all religious communities.

“We would never want to lose the trust of the communities that we work so hard to support and serve, nor are we prepared to compromise our values at any time.

“We believe we did the right thing in defending this action and acting in line with our values, with the principle aim being to protect our service users, staff, and all involved with our charity.”