Displaying items by tag: Kristie Higgs

Christians gathered in London to rally for free speech as the Court of Appeal heard the case of Kristie Higgs, a Christian school worker who expressed concerns in 2019 about LGBT+ education at her son's CofE primary school. Higgs was dismissed from the school for ‘gross misconduct’ after sharing Facebook posts criticising the 'No Outsiders in Our School' programme, which introduced topics such as gender identity and same-sex relationships. Following an anonymous complaint, Higgs was subjected to a disciplinary hearing and subsequently dismissed for allegedly bringing the school into disrepute. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, she argued her dismissal violated her rights to religious freedom and free speech. Though a tribunal initially ruled against her, a successful appeal led to a rehearing. Now, Higgs seeks a final ruling from the Court of Appeal to prevent another tribunal and protect Christian employees’ free speech rights. The hearing’s outcome could significantly impact religious expression in the workplace.

On 20 June the Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled in the favour of Christian teaching assistant Kristie Higgs who was sacked over her Facebook posts highlighting inappropriate sex education materials at her child's primary school. The judgement overturned the decision of an earlier tribunal for not properly considering Kristie's rights to freedom of belief and freedom of expression. Praise God that her solicitors secured this breakthrough and thank Him for this step forward, even though Kristie’s story isn't over yet. The case must now go back to the employment tribunal. Judge Eady apologised to the parties for the delays caused by her having to now send the case back for a re-hearing, which further delays full justice for Mrs Higgs. Pray for Christian parents to be free to raise their children in line with their Christian beliefs, and for children to be protected from transgender ideology. 

Kristie Higgs, a Christian pastoral administrator, was sacked for two of her Facebook posts that raised concerns about transgenderism and sex education at her son’s CofE primary school. On 14 July she won the right to appeal her case and will challenge her dismissal at an employment appeal tribunal. She will argue that her dismissal breached her freedom of speech. We can pray that this appeal will successfully raise important issues on the approach currently adopted by tribunals regarding demonstrations and expressions of beliefs. The judge directed that the appeal be listed in ‘Category A’, which means the case will be heard by a full three-member panel because it is complex and raises points of law of public importance.