UK Supreme Court Upholds Christian Teacher’s Right to Express Beliefs

Supreme Court Upholds Landmark Decision in Favor of Christian Teacher

In a significant ruling, the UK Supreme Court has declined an appeal regarding a critical employment law case involving a Christian school worker. The case centered on Kristie Higgs, who was dismissed from her position in 2018 for social media posts concerning sex education and transgender themes in her child’s school curriculum.

The Supreme Court’s decision maintains the February 2025 judgment by the Court of Appeal, which determined that Higgs’ termination was unjust and based on her religious beliefs. This ruling is considered pivotal in affirming the right to express religious views outside of the workplace without fear of professional repercussions.

Kristie Higgs, who served as a pastoral administrator for seven years without complaints, posted two messages on Facebook in 2018 under her maiden name. These posts criticized the government’s Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum and the inclusion of books like ‘My princess boy’ and ‘Red: A Crayon’s Story’ in her son’s school. She also encouraged others to sign a petition against these educational materials.

An anonymous complaint led to her being disciplined and subsequently dismissed for alleged gross misconduct, an action deemed disproportionate by the Court of Appeal. The court emphasized that employers must justify dismissals involving expressions of belief legally, rather than relying on speculative reputational damage concerns.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the school’s appeal concludes a lengthy legal journey focusing on religious and expression freedoms within professional settings.

In response to the ruling, Mrs. Higgs expressed her relief and gratitude, stating, “Christians have the right to express their beliefs on social media and at other non-work-related settings without fear of being punished by their employer.” She added that “expressing biblical truth is not discriminatory. It is an expression of love and of light.”

Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, which supported Higgs, highlighted the ruling as a “critical precedent” that safeguards the right to express Christian beliefs without fear of reprisal. “The Court of Appeal confirmed, loud and clear, that ideological censorship in the workplace, particularly against sincerely held Christian convictions, is illegal,” she said.

This decision is seen as a crucial interpretation of the Equality Act 2010, emphasizing employers’ responsibilities concerning their staff’s belief expressions. The ruling aligns with broader national discussions on sex education content in schools, following a government review commissioned by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 2023.