Tribunal orders Bishop of Hereford to pay £47,000 to gay youth worker
The Bishop of Hereford has today been ordered to pay more than £47,000 following the Employment Tribunal case won by gay youth worker John Reaney, whose appointment was blocked by the Bishop in 2006. The Bishop’s estimated costs in the case are a further £50,000. The Tribunal has said it expects the Bishop to fulfil an undertaking that he will undergo equal opportunities training. The case was supported and funded by Stonewall.
The Cardiff Employment Tribunal ruled last July that the Bishop acted unlawfully by blocking John Reaney’s appointment to the post of Diocesan Youth Officer. Mr Reaney was interviewed by a panel of eight people for the post. However, a unanimous decision to appoint him was personally blocked by the Bishop.
Today’s Tribunal ruling against the Bishop includes £33,000 for loss of future earnings and £7,000 damages specifically awarded for ‘psychiatric injury’. The tribunal heard last June that the Bishop had subjected John Reaney to a humiliating and offensive cross-examination about his private life to which a heterosexual would not have been submitted.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: ‘We’re delighted that the Tribunal has sent such a robust signal both to the Bishop and other employers. The substantial level of compensation sends out a very clear message. Not even a Bishop is above this law. Stonewall is proud to have supported and funded John through this case although we regret that throughout the Bishop has shown almost no proper penitence.’
Notes
1. Stonewall is the gay equality organisation founded in 1989. Founding members include Sir Ian McKellen. www.stonewall.org.uk.
2. The Cardiff Employment Tribunal ruled that the Diocese of Hereford should pay John Reaney £47,345. The total compensation award reflects loss of wages, future pension loss, damages for psychiatric injury and injury to feelings.
3. Discrimination in employment on grounds of sexual orientation is unlawful under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003. The legislation covers every stage of employment including the application and interview process.
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