A British registrar who was harassed and discriminated against after she refused to carry out same-sex civil partnership ceremonies has won a key legal battle. An employment tribunal found that the borough council for which she worked showed no respect for Lillian Ladele’s rights “by virtue of her orthodox Christian beliefs”. The tribunal decided that gay rights should not be allowed to “trump” the rights of those with religious beliefs and said that the council’s other registrars were able to provide a “first-class” service to same-sex couples without Mrs Ladele’s involvement.

Mrs Ladele, who is now expected to return to work, wept as she told the tribunal that her bosses ordered her to perform the ceremonies or face dismissal for gross misconduct. She said: “I felt harassed and victimised. I was being picked on a daily basis.” She added: “This is a victory for religious liberty, not just for myself but for others in a similar position. Gay rights should not be used as an excuse to bully and harass people over their religious beliefs.” ~ Times (UK), July 11

See previous MercatorNet coverage: Uncivil conduct