Tribunal awards substantial compensation in landmark gay discrimination case against Church of England
Publication date: 8 February 2008
John Reaney wins over £50K compensation and interest
John Reaney v Hereford Diocesan Board of Finance
Cardiff Employment Tribunal
The Employment Tribunal has just awarded John Reaney over £50,000 (including interest) as compensation for unlawful discrimination against him by the Diocese and the Bishop of Hereford.
Alison Downie, of Bindman & Partners, lawyer for John Reaney said today:
“The Employment Tribunal has just ordered the Diocese of Hereford to pay substantial damages, over £50,000 including interest, to my client as compensation for the unlawful gay discrimination against him by the Bishop and Diocese of Hereford.
This was the first gay discrimination case against the Church of England. My client is grateful to the Tribunal for their recognition of the pain and hurt caused to him as a committed Christian when the Bishop refused to confirm his appointment as Youth Officer because he is gay.
Given his comments yesterday the Archbishop of Canterbury should ensure that the Church of England and its Bishops act in full and complete accordance with UK and European law now, otherwise we are likely to see more discrimination cases against the Church in the future.”
John Reaney said:
“I’m pleased the Tribunal recognise the full impact on me of the action of the Diocese and the Bishop of Hereford and grateful for the award.
I remain sad that the Church fought my case even after being found to have acted unlawfully. I would much prefer to be working as a Christian within the Church to promote and develop youth work but was stopped from doing so because I am gay. This is wrong.
I regret the Church and Bishop acted as they did. It is a severe disappointment not just to me but also the many Christians throughout the country who have kindly supported me through this difficult process.
I hope that the Church will learn from this case. Lesbian and gay Christians working within the Church of England are entitled to be treated with humanity.
I’m very grateful to Stonewall and to my lawyers for their support throughout this case.”
For more information, please contact Alison Downie, Partner and Head of Employment at Bindman & Partners:
- Email: a.downie@bindmans.com
- Telephone: 020 7833 4433
- Mobile: 07887 575666
- www.bindmans.com
