A Christian former employee of a London, England preschool has won a discrimination case after she was fired for airing anti-gay views, reports The Guardian.

Sarah Mbuyi was dismissed by Newpark Childcare after telling a lesbian colleague that her “lifestyle” was a sin.

Mbuyi – who argued that the firing breached European law on religious freedom – denied harassment, claiming her colleague asked her about same-sex marriage and was angry she had been barred from marrying her partner in a church.

At an employment tribunal, Mbuyi’s beliefs on same-sex marriage were described as “worthy of respect in a democratic society… not incompatible with human dignity and…not in conflict with the fundamental rights of others.”

The tribunal found that Newpark’s ban on employees “expressing adverse views on homosexuality and/or describing homosexuality as a sin” would have a “disparate impact on Christians holding similar views to Miss Mbuyi on the biblical teachings on practicing homosexuality.”

Additionally, it was found that Mbuyi’s colleague had initially brought up the issue of sexual orientation and there was little evidence to suggest she targeted the colleague in an attempt to force her faith on her.

Andrea Minichiello Williams, barrister and chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which supported Mbuyi, said:

“This is a brave judgment and comes as a great relief to Miss Mbuyi and to all of us at the Christian Legal Centre. “This judgment is a ‘common sense’ judgment which shows understanding of the Christian faith and Miss Mbuyi’s freedom to live and speak it out in the work place. “We have been in the employment courts for over a decade now and at last we have a sensible decision.”

Mbuyi said:

“I only ever responded to questions that my colleague asked me and wanted the very best for her. I give glory to God for the decision and say ‘well done’ to the Christian Legal Centre. “I hope that my previous employer and colleagues are well and will understand from this that my intention was for their best.”

Voicing her concern at the decision, Tiffany Clutterbuck, a director of Newpark, said:

“We have robust policies and rules to ensure our nursery is inclusive and supportive for our children and staff and we took the decision to dismiss Miss Mbuyi with a view to protecting that culture. “However, the tribunal found Miss Mbuyi’s actions were not harassment of a gay colleague and that she was entitled to express her religious beliefs in the workplace in the context of the conversation which took place. Our priority will always be to provide an environment where every child feels like he or she belongs.”

In an interview with the BBC yesterday, Mbuyi said she had told her colleague that although God doesn’t hate gay people, “he doesn’t like what you do.”

Watch a report on the case, AFTER THE JUMP…