Christian registrar loses appeal with Islington council over civil partnerships

A Christian registrar who asked to opt out of forming same-sex unions at Islington Council has lost her case at the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT).

Lawyers acting for Miss Ladele say she was shunned by colleagues who mounted a witch hunt against her because of her Christian beliefs on marriage. The original tribunal accepted her claims, but today this has been overturned by the EAT, chaired by its President, Mr Justice Elias.

The EAT did accept that Islington had acted in an improper, unreasonable and extraordinary manner [paras 62 and 77] but ruled it did not amount to religious discrimination.

Lawyers are now studying the judgment, and it is likely that the case will go to the Court of Appeal.

The case was backed financially by The Christian Institute. Colin Hart, its Director, said: “Gay rights are not the only rights. If this decision is allowed to stand it will help squeeze out Christians from the public sphere because of their religious beliefs on ethical issues.”

Appeal judgment: A copy of the judgment is available at:

Pictures: Various Hi-Res images of Miss Ladele at: