Teaching Assistant Wins Legal Case After Being Fired for Street Preaching
In March 2022, Andy Nix, 65, was called to the headteacher's office from Temple Moor High School and interrogated about his street preaching in the summer of 2021. This happened after some students complained that his street preaching made them feel "unsafe". He was fired on the spot and had to leave the school premises immediately. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), Mr Nix took legal action against the school claiming harassment, discrimination and a breach of his right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion under Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). Now, the school decided to settle the case and pay him £7,000 in compensation instead of going to trial.
"The school trampled over my freedom of expression and belief. I am pleased that they agreed to settle the case which I believe was a recognition of wrongdoing," said Mr Nix. He added: "It is, however, a worrying sign if Christians are not allowed to debate, preach and express their faith in public without fear of losing their livelihoods."
Furthermore, he said: "The impact on my life was considerable. I feared for the future, my family finances and it impacted the potential for me to get a permanent full-time role," but also made clear that he unashamedly loved Jesus and that his Christian faith is very important to him.
"I want others to know and understand this Good News and hope for their lives. I should not be treated like a criminal for doing this."
Source: Christian Today, Christian Concern
Picture: Courtesy of Christian Concern