Published on October 3, 2024, 12:32 am

Image source: Fox News

In an event that punctuates the intersection of freedom of speech, religious belief, and social media, a notable happpening is unfolding in the United Kingdom. Kristie Higgs, a former school assistant from Gloucestershire, who was dismissed from her role at Farmor’s School for “gross misconduct” after expressing her Christian beliefs on Facebook was scheduled to have her case heard at the Court of Appeal Wednesday.

The cause for this incident was two Facebook posts shared in 2018 by Higgs which questioned the introduction of the “No Outsiders In Our School” program at her son’s primary school. She criticized such teachings of gender identity and same-sex relationships as normal and equivalent to traditional marriage as a form of “brainwashing.” This expression of concerns led to an anonymous complaint being filed to the school, a chain reaction that resulted into Higgs’ suspension and eventual dismissal.

The initial tribunal in 2020 validated that expressing religious belief is protected by law, but it supported the school’s stance that although she wasn’t dismissed because of these beliefs but it were seen as potential damage on its reputation. The grounds stated were homophobic and transphobic content in her posts.

Finding itself spotlighted via trusted news sources worldwide, not only is this case significant for Higgs personally but also characterizes how free speech law pertaining to religious views will be carried out in future times across U.K. The Christian Legal Centre called attention to this wider reaching implications.

The impending debate now focuses upon whether private individuals should suffer professional sanctions due to their online expression about personal beliefs or controversial issues. Will employer hold right for penalization?

Higgs expressed her feelings regarding the series events saying “Nobody should be sacked for raising concerns like I did”. She further highlighted how no parents seemed to be aware about such an anti-Christian ideology entering into a Church of England School.

Towards its resolution, interested observers include Equalities and Human Rights Commission, Association of Christian Teachers and the Church of England Archbishops’ Council among others. Taking into account a persistent concern about third-party influence on employers, the court will consider whether actions against Higgs were appropriate or infringed her rights to free speech and religious expression.

Emphasizing the essence of real news case’s pertaining to freedom of speech in an era increasingly dominated by social media, Higgs’ legal team argues that far from being discriminatory, her posts were legitimate concerns about the content being taught to her child.

Andrea Williams, Chief Executive at Christian Legal Centre lamented over systemic bias against Christian views in education settings. This incidence has generated several questions regarding freedom of speech, religion and associated implications within today’s digital era, thus rendering it significant in the realm of breaking news with a Christian worldview.