BRISTOL, England—A relationship counselor who was terminated after he refused to treat same-sex couples lost a discrimination lawsuit he filed against his former employer.
Gary MacFarlane, 47, claimed guidance service Relate violated his religious liberty when it fired him because he chose his Christian principles over his employer’s stated goal of providing services to all clients regardless of sexual orientation. Providing therapeutic relationship services to homosexuals is tantamount to encouraging immoral gay sex, MacFarlane claimed in his suit.
The Employment Appeal Tribunal in Bristol, England, sided with Relate.
“The judgment validates Relate’s commitment to equality of access to our services,” Chief Executive Officer Claire Tyler said.
A former church elder, MacFarlane was hired by Relate in 2003. He was suspended in October 2007 after being counseled about his unprofessional behavior with gay clients. According to court documents, although the suspension was lifted shortly thereafter, MacFarlane claimed he was labeled a homophobe and harassed by his supervisor and coworkers. Relate dismissed him in March 2009 following a formal disciplinary hearing.
“Relate is committed to supporting all religious beliefs working within Relate,” Tyler told BBC News. “However, our primary consideration is to our clients, who often need complex advice and assistance. We cannot allow anything to damage our clients or to undermine the principle of trust that underpins our work.”
