Gay clergyman wins right to appeal discrimination case

Canon Jeremy Pemberton (left) with Laurence Cunnington Jeremy Pemberton/Twitter

Gay clergyman Jeremy Pemberton has won the right to appeal against a ruling by an employment tribunal that he was not discriminated against.

Canon Pemberton took his case to the tribunal after he was refused a licence to work as a hospital chaplain because he had married his partner Laurence Cunnington.

The decision by the acting Bishop of Southwell meant he was unable to take up the job as Head of Chaplaincy and Bereavement Services in Nottinghamshire. He has remained in his previous job as a hospital chaplain in Lincolnshire.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal will hold a two-day hearing later this year.

Pemberton said: "I heard from the Employment Appeal Tribunal that they accepted my application for an appeal. It's important to appeal because this is a test case and test cases need testing. The judgement given in the tribunal had some things my lawyers felt needed further testing."

No new evidence will be heard by the appeal which will look at the legal arguments. 

related articles
Gay Anglican priest begins discrimination case against Church
Gay Anglican priest begins discrimination case against Church

Gay Anglican priest begins discrimination case against Church

Gay priest who married partner loses employment discrimination claim

Gay priest who married partner loses employment discrimination claim

Gay priest banned from taking services after marrying partner
Gay priest banned from taking services after marrying partner

Gay priest banned from taking services after marrying partner

Repent of how Church has treated gay people, top Oxford cleric tells Archbishop

Repent of how Church has treated gay people, top Oxford cleric tells Archbishop

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.