By Charlotte Webster-
A Christian social worker who won a freedom of speech case in 2019 as a student of Sheffield University, is at the centre of an employment tribunal after having a job offer withdrawn over his Christian views.
Mr Felix Ngole(pictured) had been offered a job by Touchstone Support, a mental health organisation based in Leeds but after Mr Ngole’s legal win in 2019 was brought to the attention his employers to be, his employment offer was withdrawn to show a commitment to “embrace and promote LGBT+ rights” or not work for the company.
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The employment tribunal for the case began in Leeds today, Monday.
In 2015, Mr Ngole was excluded from his social work degree at the University of Sheffield after communicating via social media that marriage was between a man and a woman, and that same-sex marriage was sinful.
The Court of appeal ruled in favour of Mr Ngole after four year battle.
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The judge in that case said the university had “confused” religious views with discrimination, and that there was no real evidence Mr Ngole would discriminate against someone on the basis of their sexuality.
He was allowed to return to his studies following the verdict, and went on to qualify as a professional social worker.
Speaking to reporters in advance of the hearing, Mr Ngole said: “No one has ever told me that I have not treated them well in my professional experience. I have never been accused of forcing my beliefs on anyone. I have supported vulnerable individuals from all backgrounds, including LGBT.
“I was delighted to be invited to the interview so that I could showcase my skills. I saw it as a step closer to my dream job. It was a brilliant interview; I was greeted warmly, and they were really kind to me.
“I was offered the job and they were already talking to me about my first day and who my line manager would be. When I received the email telling me that the job had been withdrawn it was a shock. I was very confused and distraught, and I wanted to know why.
“The reasons they gave for withdrawing the job offer were an attack on me and my faith.
“They made it seem that 100% of the people I would be helping would be LGBT, and that I had to pledge allegiance to the LGBT flag and forget about my Christian beliefs.”
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