Transphobic U.K. teacher Glawdys Leger lost her challenge to the High Court after condemning being LGBTQ+ as a sin and telling students that trans people are “just confused.” Leger taught at Bishop Justus Church of England School in Bromley, South London until 2022, when she was fired for her homophobic and transphobic comments to her students. Her students were made uncomfortable when she altered a lesson that taught about allyship and introduced students to different sexual and gender identities and pushed her Christian beliefs into the lesson. Leger reportedly told students that they should, “live (their lives) for God,” that she did not believe in transgender ideology, trans people are “just confused,” being “LGBTQ+ is a sin,” and that “people will always be seen by God as having their birth gender.” The teacher was fired for gross misconduct and received a letter from the Teaching Regulation Agency saying that her actions were “contrary to fundamental British values in that it lacked tolerance to those with different beliefs.” A professional conduct panel (PCP) also found her teachings to be unprofessional conduct, so Leger took legal action and brought the findings to the High Court. She claimed that her comments were “taken out of context” and that she has “great compassion for LGBT people, especially for those suffering from gender dysphoria.” Leger also said, “I cannot, however, in good conscience teach or say things I believe are contrary to my faith, for example saying that same-sex sexual relationships are good and/or affirming people with gender dysphoria in their gender confusion. I am certain that I have not shown, and never would show, any hatred or lack of love towards LGBT people.” She argued that the PCP also infringed on her privacy by publishing their findings about her and that it would make it difficult to find another job. Leger’s case was dismissed by Justice Lang who found that the PCP made no error, and their findings were, “justifiable and proportionate.” Lang also said that Leger’s, “choice not to present a balanced view undermined the school community’s aspiration to provide a supportive environment for children who may be exploring sexual identity.” During times like these when LGBTQ+ people are facing obstacles everywhere, educating the youth about their options and abilities to express themselves healthily should be a top priority. Kids in the U.K. have been starving themselves trying to lessen the effects puberty has on their bodies because puberty blockers have been banned. People, especially children, should be able to have safe access to information about their sexuality, gender, and allyship. Someone who is not sure what “compassion” looks like and believes that telling kids that they are potentially participating in sin because of their gender or sexuality should not be allowed near children, let alone able to teach them.
