She was fired from the London chain of nurseries over claims of “harassment” of a lesbian colleague and “gross misconduct” and is now suing her former employers for unfair dismissal on the grounds of religious discrimination.
In December Mbuyi’s co-worker was hospitalised after an incident at work at which point Mbuyi provided her with the gift of a bible, which she claims was well received and a result of interest the co-worker had shown in her faith.
The following month, during a discussion with the co-worker about sexuality, Myubi said: “If I tell you that God is OK with that I am lying to you”.
Mbuyi was warned about her behaviour at a disciplinary, which was held over harassment claims. Her employers asked her how she would feel if she had to read stories featuring same-sex couples to the children, and Myubi said she would refuse to do so.
Mbuyi is being represented by the Christian Legal Centre who have released a statement saying:
“The Christian Legal Centre is representing Sarah Mbuyi as the latest in a line of Christians who are being threatened by a movement to repress Christians from living out a genuine expression of their faith in a country which once led the world in freedom and justice.
“Sharing Biblical truths out of genuine love and concern for colleagues is being outlawed in the workplace by a dominating cultural correctness.
“There is a culture of fear which closes down freedom of speech and the manifestation of faith. This culture brands the liberating good news of the Gospel as oppressive and regressive.”
She went on to say that if the prime minister was "serious in his support for Christianity", he would intervene in the case. Only last week he was quoted as saying that Britain should be "more confident about our status as a Christian country" and "more evangelical about a faith that compels us to get out there and make a difference to people's lives"
Surely there must be more evidence to back up the dismissal? In such a multicultural society should religious beliefs be “outlawed” in the workplace?
I believe spirituality is a need in growth for children so we need to be able to help them have understanding of faith. We also need to be allowed to express our own faith freely. If people disagree that’s also thier right but we can still be friends surely? If we shut down the right to express our choices we are taking choices away. Surely freedom has been fought for! Why are we seeking to be a culture who takes it away? I believe in God as a father. Am I not allowed to express my belief. I don’t mind if people disagree but don’t take my right to express my opinion away.
If her setting has an inclusion, equality & diversity policy (which it should) it will be clear that she cannot force her views of religeon on her colleagues nor refuse to read stories about same sex couples to the children. Thats exclusion of a child living with same sex parents! I’m not saying she isn’t allowed her own views or religious beliefs however she needs to embrace other lifestyle choices to fulfil her role in a preschool.
Good for you Sarah! I think you were set up over the reluctance to read ” gay stories”, which is, frankly, reprehensible. And as for giving someone a Bible in hospital…..as an ex-nursery manager, I see this as being outside the working environment, whether or not one approves of the action ( and I do…..strongly). I entirely agree with your legal representatives and hope they help you to win your case.