UNITED KINGDOM: Christian teacher loses high court challenge over LGBT+ comments
By Kelly Valencia
Premier Christian News (21.03.2025) – A Christian teacher in south-east London has lost a High Court challenge after being found guilty of unprofessional conduct for telling students that being LGBT+ was a “sin”.
Glawdys Leger also told pupils at Bishop Justus Church of England School in Bromley that transgender people were “just confused”.
The 44-year-old made the comments during a religious studies lesson in February 2022, which were recorded by a pupil, leading to a complaint from the child’s mother. As a result, Leger was suspended and later dismissed.
Leger argued that the decision was unfair, claiming the professional conduct panel (PCP) had failed to put her remarks into context. However, a judge ruled that the sanction was a proportionate response to her actions.
In December 2023, the PCP concluded that Leger’s actions amounted to unprofessional conduct, and the outcome was published on the Teaching Regulation Agency’s website, though she was not banned from teaching. In her legal challenge, Leger argued that the school’s duty to provide a balanced curriculum did not apply to her as an individual teacher.
Mrs Justice Lang, in her written judgment, upheld the PCP’s decision, stating it was a lawful and proportionate sanction. She acknowledged that while Leger’s comments lacked respect for others’ rights, they were not intended to cause distress. However, her failure to present a balanced view undermined the school’s goal of providing a supportive environment for students exploring sexual identity.
Photo credits: Wikimedia