Scottish Teacher Takes Legal Action After Dismissal For Expressing Pro-Life Beliefs
A Catholic teacher in Scotland has brought an employment tribunal claim after being dismissed for expressing her pro-life beliefs in response to pupils' questions during a classroom discussion. She alleges that her dismissal discriminated against her because of her Catholic beliefs and violated her freedom to express them in the workplace.
According to a report published on 17 July 2026, Sarah Morse, a history teacher at Arbroath High School, was dismissed on 19 November 2025 after answering pupils' questions about abortion during a history lesson. She informed the pupils that she was a “faithful Roman Catholic” and therefore believed abortion was wrong, while making clear that they were “free to disagree” with her and that she was “not there to impose beliefs on anyone.”
The question arose in the context of a conversation with a new class, which asked Morse about aspects of life in the United States, including politics, transgender issues, immigration and abortion. When she expressed her personal opposition to abortion, grounded in her religious beliefs, another pupil asked how this would apply to a rape victim who was pregnant. Morse replied that she felt the child should not be punished, but noted that many people would disagree with her and that it was OK to hold an opposing view.
She was summoned to the school's office later that day and summarily dismissed. In an interview with The Times, she said she was “stunned” when her employment with the school was abruptly terminated during the meeting, apparently because she had “talked about religion and abortion”.
In July 2026, Morse filed a claim before an employment tribunal against Angus Council, alleging religious discrimination. Explaining her decision to pursue legal action, Morse said: “I have been left with no choice but to seek justice through the courts.” She also stated: “I answered honestly when directly asked about my beliefs, while making it clear that pupils were entitled to their own opinions.” According to Morse, she was dismissed without being given the opportunity to explain her account of the incident.
“At no time did I attempt to persuade any student to adopt my position. To be ‘cancelled’ and lose my livelihood because of my religious identity is a terrifying precedent for the teaching profession in Scotland,” Morse said. During her interview with The Times, Morse further stated that, in hindsight, she believes the teenagers may have been prompting her to make statements they knew the head teacher would dislike. At the time, however, she took their curiosity at face value.
The case concerns an alleged violation of freedom of religion and freedom of expression in the workplace. Morse's legal representative from SPUC stated: “No teacher should lose their job simply for answering a direct question truthfully and respectfully.” She added that “teachers should not be forced to choose between their livelihood and their deeply held religious beliefs.” A hearing is scheduled to begin on 24 August 2026.
Source: The Times, ewtnnews, The Catholic Herald, The Telegraph
Image: SPUC