Maureen Martin

Maureen Martin, a Christian mayoral candidate, lost her job at a housing association for expressing her Christian beliefs on marriage on her election manifesto.

Maureen Martin, president of the Christian People’s Alliance, had stood to be Mayor of Lewisham in April 2022. As part of her election manifesto, she had outlined her political position on various topics, including on marriage. However, following the publication of the manifesto, complaints were made against her for ‘hate speech’.

Miss Martin had worked for the housing association L&Q for 13 years with an exemplary record as a housing manager. However, following the complaints raised over her manifesto, the company quickly investigated Miss Martin’s position and told her her views could “bring L&Q into disrepute.” Miss Martin was then suspended from the company and, following a full disciplinary hearing, was then sacked for gross misconduct.

Miss Martin’s case is believed to be the first of its kind to see a political candidate sacked by their employer for their Christian beliefs.

Miss Martin is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre as she challenges L&Q on the grounds of discrimination, harassment and unfair dismissal.

Miss Martin commented on her case: “I was devastated, but also sadly not surprised that L&Q would treat me in this way. I have a right to express my own Christian beliefs in my own private time and should not be required to self-censor valid beliefs on marriage, abortion and US politics. I would not treat people in any way other than professionally. It was a general statement I made and I am quite within my right to make it. We either have freedom of speech in the UK, or we do not. We must have the freedom to disagree with each other without it resulting in people having their lives torn apart.

“I am determined to fight for justice and to ensure that no other Christian political candidates and employees go through what I have.” 

If you agree that voicing Christian beliefs should not get you fired, support Maureen by signing the petition.

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