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Christian school worker takes her dismissal fight to tribunal

A Christian school assistant who was sacked for posting on Facebook about plans to teach LGBT relationships in primary schools is taking her case to an employment tribunal.

Kristie Higgs, 44, was dismissed for gross misconduct by Farmor’s School in Fairford, Gloucestershire last year.

The mother-of-two shared and commented on Facebook posts which raised concerns about relationship education at her son’s Church of England primary school.

Mrs Higgs, who was posting on Facebook under her maiden name, shared two posts in October 2018.

Mrs Higgs was dismissed after sharing a post on Facebook
Mrs Higgs was dismissed after sharing a post on Facebook (Christian Legal Centre/PA)

In one Facebook post, Mrs Higgs urged people to sign an online petition against making relationships education mandatory.

In another she shared an article about the rise of transgender ideology in children’s books in American schools.

The Christian Legal Centre is supporting Mrs Higgs’s case at the employment tribunal, which is starting in Bristol on Monday.

Lawyers representing Mrs Higgs will argue that her sacking breached her freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

She also shared a second post on the social media site
She also shared a second post on the social media site (Christian Legal Centre/PA)

Ahead of the hearing, Mrs Higgs said: “Nothing could have prepared me for what happened. I was told that the reasons behind my sacking were nothing to do with my Christian beliefs – it had everything to do with my Christian beliefs.

“The whole experience broke my heart. I have been punished for sharing concerns about relationships and sex education.

“My number one concern has always been the effect that learning about sex and gender in school will have on children at such a young age. I have not discriminated against anyone.

“Through my case I want there to be renewed freedom for others, especially Christians, to express their beliefs and opinions without fear of losing their jobs.”

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