UK: Christian fired for “hate speech” against gay community files suit against employer
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – A Christian mayoral candidate in the UK is suing her employer for wrongful dismissal after she was fired for spreading “hate speech” by including her belief in traditional Christian marriage in her election campaign leaflet, CBN News reports.
An ordained minister and member of the Christian People’s Alliance party, as well as a mayoral candidate for the Lewisham area of London, Maureen Martin was fired by the LONDON & Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q) where she had an outstanding employment record as a housing manager for 13 years, CBN said.
As part of her election campaign, Martin posted her leaflet on social media and was fired after LGBTQ rights activists complained to her employers about her published views on marriage. They reportedly accused Martin of “breaking laws” and “actively promoting prejudice and discrimination” against gay people, CBN said.
Martin has sought the help of the Christian Legal Center in filing a suit against L&Q, saying she will not apologize for her actions or her beliefs.
“Yes, I do want to support traditional families,” she said in a statement. “I want to support everything that is good for bringing up children, and my statement reflects that. I will cut through all the political correctness and state the truth that natural marriage between a man and woman is the foundational building blocks for a successful society and the safest place for raising children. [The campaign leaflet] wasn’t hateful. It was not discriminatory, however, members of the LGBTQ community did not like what I said,” Martin added.
Terminating her employment, L&Q told Martin in a letter of dismissal that her views could be “perceived to be discriminatory, hurtful, and offensive views towards members of the LGBTQ+ community, non-traditional families, and abortion.”
Latest Worthy News
If you are interested in articles produced by Worthy News, please check out our FREE sydication service available to churches or online Christian ministries. To find out more, visit Worthy Plugins.