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Sacked christian to sue council
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SACKED: Denise Haye
A CHRISTIAN council worker, sacked for posting alleged ‘homophobic’ comments on a gay Christian website, is taking her former employer to court for unfair dismissal.
Denise Haye, from south London, was fired from Lewisham Council’s legal services department after she left comments about gays in the church on the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) website using her work computer.
The religious 25-year-old she came across the LGCM website while looking for church information online.
“I didn’t know it was a lesbian and gay website at first… There was an enquiry form page that I went onto, which invites you to give opinions, so I went on to witness to them,” Ms Haye told The Voice.
“It wasn’t with any malicious intent and it wasn’t with any hatred, it was out of sheer concern.”
Ms Haye also claims that while she used her work computer to post the comment, she did it outside of her working hours and was unaware that her email would be seen on the comment posted.
But after receiving her response, Rev Sharon Ferguson of the LGCM contacted Denise’s workplace and complained.
“The email did not address the organisation or comment on our aims or statement of conviction, therefore I do not consider it to be in the form of feedback,” Rev Ferguson said.
“Because the email was sent from an organisation that has clear equality policies I felt it was important that they were aware of the very strong views held by one of their employees.”
Ms Haye was suspended whilst under investigation. After six months, she was dismissed.
Her case is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC).
“It is wholly disproportionate to end someone's working career for the mere expression of orthodox Christian beliefs,” said Andrea Minichello Williams, founder and director of the CLC.
However, the LGCM argue that the content of the email was “an unprovoked personal attack.”
“I am sure she believes that expressing her views was demonstrating love and compassion, but the threats and judgement clearly stated in her email are, in my opinion, not in keeping with the Christian message,” Rev Ferguson said.
Lewisham Council said they are unable to comment on the ongoing case.
Published: 05 October 2009
Issue: 1392
