Some Christian registrars fear losing their jobs or are forced to resign because of their beliefs about same-sex civil partnerships, an employment tribunal has heard.

The tribunal is currently hearing the case of Lillian Ladele, a Christian registrar who is asking her employer, Islington Council, to exempt her from registering same-sex unions.

Elizabeth Thatcher, a Christian who works as a registrar in Kent, told the tribunal that while many local authorities had reached agreements with staff whose religious beliefs prevented them from conducting the ceremonies, in other cases registrars were “terrified” of losing their jobs.

Watch a BBC London news report featuring Mike Judge of The Christian Institute

Speaking of an unnamed registrar, Mrs Thatcher said: “She told me that she was terrified about herself or her authority being identified because she could be vilified or the authority put under pressure to remove her.”

She added: “I have heard of one Christian who has had to resign, but I know of others who have been accommodated.”

Islington Council denies discriminating against Miss Ladele.

The hearing continues.