The court ruled in favor of the school.
A school pastoral manager in North London, Gozen Soydag, plans to appeal an employment tribunal’s ruling that upheld her dismissal from St. Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls. Soydag, a 37-year-old social media influencer, was terminated in 2023 after posting content supporting biblical views on marriage to her 30,000 Instagram followers. According to the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), the school claimed her expressed beliefs were incompatible with its ethos, leading to her firing. The CLC argued that her dismissal violated her rights to free speech, religious freedom, and protection from discrimination.
During the tribunal, school officials maintained that Soydag’s social media activity, particularly her posts on marriage and family values, conflicted with the school’s mission. Assistant Head Teacher Jo Saunders denied restricting Soydag’s free speech but stated that the posts needed to be removed. The tribunal judge dismissed Soydag’s claims, citing concerns that her content, which celebrated the nuclear family, could alienate students from diverse backgrounds. Soydag’s posts were also compared to controversial figures, framing her views as out of step with modern society.
Soydag stated that she was not given an opportunity to explain the intent behind her Instagram account, which aimed to spark debates on marriage and relationships. After receiving complaints about her content, the school instructed her to make her account less visible, which she attempted but could not complete immediately due to technical constraints. Despite her efforts, she was informed that her views and online presence were irreconcilable with the school’s ethos, leading to her abrupt dismissal on her birthday. Soydag left the school in tears, unable to bid farewell to colleagues or students.
Following the ruling, Soydag expressed devastation but vowed to appeal. She emphasized her desire to advocate for traditional Christian values, particularly regarding marriage and family, which she believes are increasingly marginalized. Soydag argued that her dismissal highlights a growing intolerance for Christian beliefs in institutions that outwardly claim to uphold a faith-based ethos. She asserted that had her views aligned with secular inclusivity, she would have been celebrated rather than penalized.
Andrea Williams, CEO of the CLC, criticized the court’s decision, calling it a warning that Christian beliefs on marriage are unwelcome in U.K. schools. Williams described Soydag as a dedicated and passionate advocate for young women and traditional family values, emphasizing that the judgment undermines religious freedom. The CLC has pledged to fight the ruling, describing it as legally flawed and indicative of a wider societal shift toward secular orthodoxy over Christian principles.