Man wins discrimination case against bishop

A gay youth officer has won a discrimination case against the Bishop of Hereford and is expected to receive substantial compensation.

John Reaney accused the bishop of blocking his appointment as a youth officer for the Diocese of Hereford during the summer last year.

Supported by gay rights group Stonewall, Mr Reaney took his case to an employment tribunal, alleging that the bishop's judgement had been clouded by prejudice.

The tribunal upheld the youth worker's complaint and ruled that he had been discriminated against on the grounds of his sexual orientation.

Mr Reaney was interviewed last summer by a panel of eight people who unanimously supported his appointment, but he was subjected to embarrassing questioning about his personal life and the decision was blocked by the bishop.

The Bishop of Hereford is now facing calls for his resignation and Stonewall called it a "triumph for 21st century decency over 19th century prejudice".

© Adfero Ltd
Date:20/07/2007 11:44:38