A Christian modern languages teacher at a CofE secondary school in Kent, has been spared a lifetime ban from the profession.
Gladwys Leger was sacked after refusing to teach content about LGBT issues during an RE lesson.
The 43 year old was a teacher at Bishop Justus CofE school in Bromley, and taught Religious Education lessons as well as modern languages.
The curriculum on the human body and sexuality was based on material produced by gay lobby group Stonewall.
Leger felt the content she was being asked to relay to students was, “going too far”. She told her students she did not believe in transgender ideology and that she believed sex outside marriage was a sin.
A parent who learned of her comments in a lesson took it up with the school, and the case was referred to the Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA).
They found that 19 aspects of Ms Leger’s behaviour were “serious”, but ruled that the behaviour did not merit her being removed from teaching, and said she was free to return to the classroom.
Ms Leger released a statement via Christian Concern, who supported her during her ordeal, saying: “I was treated like a criminal and as though I was a danger for expressing my Christian beliefs. I am certain that I have not shown, and never would show, any hatred or lack of love towards LGBT people.”
Solicitor Roger Kiska who worked on her case, told Premier the TRA’s ruling should be seen as positive, and they are optimistic about the outcome of an employment tribunal.
He added that recent changes in government guidelines regarding the teaching of gender ideology and the inclusion of parents in discussions when pupils disclose struggles with their gender identity, has offered some hope that Christian teachers presenting their personal opinions would be treated more favorably in the future.
Premier Christian News has contacted Bishop Justus CofE school via their spokesperson, and is waiting for their response.
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