Islington Tribune - by TOM FOOT Published: 31 October 2008
Lillian Ladele
Town Hall ready to appeal against gay ‘sinners’ registrar tribunal decision
COUNCIL chiefs say they are determined to overturn an employment tribunal decision that found in favour of a Christian registrar who refused to marry gay couples because they were “sinners”. But the Town Hall’s legal team, which spent £35,000 before losing the case, is yet to receive confirmation from the court service that there are grounds for an appeal.
Lillian Ladele, from Skinner Street, Finsbury, won a ruling in May after being threatened with the sack for refusing to conduct civil partnership ceremonies in Islington Town Hall.
The 47-year-old was awarded compensation and costs after the tribunal found she had been discriminated against because of her religious beliefs.
The Employment Appeal Tribunal court service is expected to reach a decision on the second hearing by the end of the year.
Executive member for human resources Cllr John Gilbert said: “This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, but we believe an important question is at stake and the law must be clarified.”