Following a ruling by Judge Perry of Birmingham Employment Tribunal that “lack of belief in transgenderism and conscientious objection to transgenderism” was incompatible with human dignity, a decision that supported his dismissal by the Department of Work and Pensions, Dr. David Mackereth has announced that he will be appealing the decision.

In a chilling section, the Judge ruled that “belief in Genesis 1:27, lack of belief in transgenderism and conscientious objection to transgenderism in our judgment are incompatible with human dignity and conflict with the fundamental rights of others, specifically here, transgender individuals” (para 197, emphasis added). He continued that “in so far as those beliefs form part of his wider faith, his wider faith also does not satisfy Grainger [the requirement of being worthy of respect in a democratic society, not incompatible with human dignity and not in conflict with the fundamental rights of others]” (para 231, cf. para 157). Given that no major religion’s scriptures endorse transgenderism, all major faiths may presumably in like manner to be held unworthy of “respect in a democratic society” should this ruling be allowed to stand. This ruling might also serve as precedent for other religious, conservative and feminist doctors in the UK being liable for dismissal should they be unwilling to champion transgenderism.

The decision of the tribunal also did not rely on a specific incidence of harm alleged by a specific patient. In this case, Dr. Mackereth’s dismissal was based simply on a hypothetical given to him by a senior manager.

In an extended interview with Christian Concern, Dr. Mackereth explained the reasons for this resolve to appeal the case further.

I am upset, shocked by the outcome of my case. I’m disappointed, but we can see the lie of the land. We know this is a battle we have to fight. We will be appealing. I will be appealing and my legal team will be supporting me. I am determined to go forward. I am determined to take this everywhere it can possibly go, but we must stand up for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

And as a Christian doctor, I believe it makes me a better doctor to be a Christian and a doctor. I need freedom of conscience in order to practice medicine.

In essence, I am now being compelled to say things which I cannot say. The question of compelled speech is relevant to every single person in this country, not just to myself. Now, we are absolutely compelled, because of this need to have a belief in transgenderism, because of this lack of belief in the Bible’s reference to human dignity, we are compelled now to use language in a way which has been prescribed for us by other parties with which we disagree.

The issue is that, first of all, we are being told that people can change sex. That’s not true. They can’t change sex; it’s impossible. If anyone in the medical profession is watching this, you prove it, if you think I’m wrong. I know you can’t. We’re being told to live and practice a lie. Andrea Williams, the Head of Christian Concern has pointed out again and again that we’re not helping people when we practice a lie. We cannot ever help people by practising a lie. It’s not that we don’t want to help people. There’s never been a patient that I refuse to treat. But when I’m told to call a man ‘a woman’, or a woman ‘a man’, they’re pushing my conscience where it cannot go,

At the same time, it’s beyond reason and beyond logic and beyond science to do such a thing. And that’s not good medicine.

You can watch the full interview below:

Andrea Williams and Peter Tatchell appeared on RT to discuss the case:

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