An evangelical Christian pastor, who resigned from his job as a school caretaker after Tweeting in opposition to ‘Pride Month’ events, has had his case heard at an employment tribunal.
In June 2019, Keith Waters (see photo), the then pastor at New Connexions Church in Ely, published the Tweet: ‘A reminder that Christians should not support or attend LGBTQ “Pride Month” events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Christian faith and morals. They are especially harmful to children.’
Following complaints from parents, Ely Primary School began an investigation into his conduct for allegedly bringing the school into disrepute.
After experiencing increasing hostility and death threats, Waters, 55, resigned his job and brought a claim for discrimination and constructive dismissal against the Active Learning Trust, which runs the school.
In his final appraisal, Waters was described an ‘asset to the school’. His Tweet led to him being called an extremist.
The school’s head told the employment tribunal that the Tweet was an ‘unprovoked attack’ on the LGBT community and that it was never about Waters’ religion. Waters’ lawyers argued that the Tweet was a manifestation of his Christian beliefs and that the school had interfered with his rights to freedom of religion, expression and thought.
Waters said he stood by his comments and will ‘always stand up for the truth. I believe that children’s safety is paramount’. Before the tribunal hearing, he said: ‘Through the investigation, disciplinary action and appeal, the school seemed unable to distinguish between homosexual people and LGBTQ pride. They are two separate things.
‘There are many people with same-sex attraction who are totally opposed to what happens at Pride parades, as one of the stated aims of the ‘Pride’ movement is to celebrate a wide variety of sexual lifestyles, which are diametrically opposed to Christian sexual ethics. Anyone who attends a “Pride” event risks being exposed to obscenities. That is self-evidently harmful for children and in a free, responsible and truly loving society we must be free to say that and raise concern without fear.’
At the time of writing, the ruling has not yet been handed down.
