'Disproportionate response' | Christian teacher sacked over LGBTQ+ social media posts wins landmark free speech appeal

A Christian teaching assistant who was sacked for sharing social media posts about LGBTQ+ education has won a landmark appeal - a significant legal victory which sets a crucial precedent for employee rights and employer responsibilities regarding the expression of controversial views in the workplace.

Kristie Higgs was sacked from her role at Farmor’s School in Gloucestershire in 2019, on the grounds of gross misconduct.

She had shared two Facebook posts that raised concerns about how sex education and LGBTQ+ relationships were to be taught in primary schools.

The posts were made under her maiden name on a private account which had no mention of her employer. However, an anonymous complaint was made about the posts to the headteacher, which led to Mrs Higgs being investigated, and eventually sacked for allegedly bringing the school into disrepute.