UK Employment Tribunal: Christian Nursery Worker’s Sacking over ‘Anti-Gay’ Views Were Discriminatory

Sarah Mbuyi
Sarah Mbuyi. Photo: Christian Concern

An employment tribunal in the United Kingdom city of Watford has ruled that Christian nursery worker Sarah Mbuyi was discriminated against after she was sacked for airing her views on homosexuality and marriage.

According to a report from BBC News, Mbuyi was dismissed from Newpark Childcare nursery in west London after she told her colleague, who was in a lesbian relationship, that "God is not OK with what you do." The tribunal ruled that the nursery discriminated against Mbuyi and her religious beliefs when it sacked her in January 2014.

"It's not like she didn't know about the Bible's ethics," Mbuyi said of her colleague.

Mbuyi added that she reassured her colleague that "God doesn't hate you" before making the statement that led to her dismissal. According to BBC News, Mbuyi's colleague asked her whether God would approve of her lesbian relationship.

"The word of God is made more and more irrelevant to society in general," Mbuyi said. "Society endorses ideologies that are absolutely contrary to His word."

Mbuyi told BBC News that her treatment was comparable to the views of wider society towards Christianity in the UK.

"If people like me and other Christians choose to stand by, we will face hostility," Mbuyi said.

According to a report from Press Association, 31-year old Mbuyi, a Belgian national who lived in Tottenham, north London, was supported by the Christian Legal Centre. The chief executive of the CLC, barrister Andrea Minichiello Williams, thought the tribunal's decision regarding Mbuyi was "a brave judgment."

"This judgment is a 'common sense' judgment which shows understanding of the Christian faith and Miss Mbuyi's freedom to live and speak it out in the work place," Williams said.

According to Press Association, the tribunal admitted that while the employer was "not anti-Christian" in their actions, Mbuyi's dismissal may have resulted on "stereotypical assumptions about her and her beliefs."

"[Her belief is] worthy of respect in a democratic society, is not incompatible with human dignity and is not in conflict with the fundamental rights of others," the tribunal ruled.

The tribunal added that the employer's policy of prohibiting the expression of "adverse views on homosexuality and/or describing homosexuality as a sin" would also impact "Christians holding similar views to Miss Mbuyi on the biblical teachings on practicing homosexuality."

"That is not merely because a significantly higher proportion of Christians would hold such views but also because many evangelical Christians feel their faith compels them to share it," the tribunal said.

The director of Newpark Childcare, Tiffany Clutterbuck, expressed disappointment with the tribunal's ruling, adding that the nursery wanted to protect the culture that was "inclusive and supportive for our children and staff."

"The tribunal found Miss Mbuyi's actions were not harassment of a gay colleague and that she was entitled to express her religious beliefs in the workplace in the context of the conversation which took place," Clutterbuck said. "Our priority will always be to provide an environment where every child feels like he or she belongs."

Mbuyi, who now works as a nanny at a different employer, expressed her relief at the outcome.

"I only ever responded to questions that my colleague asked me and wanted the very best for her," Mbuyi said. "I give glory to God for the decision and say 'well done' to the Christian Legal Centre."

Mbuyi emphasized that she had no hard feelings toward her former employer and colleague.

"I hope that my previous employer and colleagues are well and will understand from this that my intention was for their best," Mbuyi said.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.