Wronged worker claims Britain ‘no longer believes in free speech for Christians’

Felix Ngole, a mental health support worker, had a job offer rescinded because of his views on homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Mr Ngole has challenged the decision at an employment tribunal claiming that he has been discriminated against because of his Christian beliefs.

The removal of the job offer with Touchstone Leeds came after they discovered that Mr Ngole had previously won a case against Sheffield University in 2019.

The university had ruled not to allow him to complete his degree in social work as a result of posts on Facebook where Mr Ngole had said that homosexuality and same-sex marriage were sins.

Mr Ngole challenged the decision from Sheffield University and won.

Touchstone Leeds removed their offer of a role of mental health support worker, when it found reports about the previous court case. At the tribunal they argued their decision was based on possible reputational damage and the mental health impact on clients. They claimed that LGBT service users could be more likely to harm themselves if they discovered Mr Ngole’s views.

Touchstone Leeds won the tribunal, and Mr Ngole is now appealing that decision. Speaking before his appeal, Mr Ngole said:

“The ruling ultimately sets a dangerous precedent as it gives employers the freedom to block Christians, and anyone who doesn’t promote LGBTQI+ ideology, from employment.

“If we get to the point where if you don’t celebrate and support LGBT ideology you can’t have a job, then every Christian out there doesn’t have a future… The UK is no longer the country I heard about all those years ago when fleeing Cameroon. The UK then was a bastion of free speech and expression.”