The High Court has ruled in favour of a university which expelled a student for his views on gay marriage.
Felix Ngole, a religious education teacher from Barnsley, was studying for an MA in social work at the University of Sheffield – until 2015, when he commented on Facebook that “the Bible and God identify homosexuality as a sin”.
He made the comments during an online debate about Kim Davis, the Kentucky official who was sacked for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licences.
Somebody brought the comments to the attention of the university, who expelled Mr Ngole from the course.
He challenged the decision in court, saying that his rights to freedom of speech and religion, enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, had been violated.
But Deputy High Court judge Rowena Collins-Rice ruled that Mr Ngole’s comments had affected his ability to qualify as a social worker: “Social workers have considerable power over the lives of vulnerable service users and trust is a precious professional commodity.”
Mr Ngole told the BBC after the verdict: “To me it sends a chilling message that if you are a Christian and you hold traditional Christian views you should be careful not to express them because you might end up losing your job.”
Mr Ngole’s barrister, Paul Diamond, said that the comments were only made in “a private/social as opposed to professional context”. They were also, Mr Diamond said, “a genuine contribution to an important public debate. Mr Ngole is entitled to express his religious views; and did so in response to direct questions.”
Last month, universities minister Jo Johnson announced that the Office for Students, a public regulator which opens next year, could fine universities that fail to protect free speech.
Liverpool priest dies aged 101
A priest in Liverpool has died aged 101 after more than 73 years in active ministry.
Fr Tom Kennedy was parish priest at English Martyrs, Haydock, for 44 years. Originally from Ireland, he was ordained in 1943 and arrived in Liverpool that year. He told Catholic Pic that he never retired because “I liked the people I worked with and they liked me – at least they said they did anyway.”
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.