Scottish Atheist Wins Discrimination Case

March 9, 2006

Source: The Herald

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/57728.html

On March 9, 2006 The Herald reported, "A teacher who lost out on promotion at a Roman Catholic school because he was an atheist has won his claim for religious discrimination. In a case which could have far-reaching implications for the way denominational schools are run in Scotland, an employment tribunal ruled Glasgow City Council had discriminated against David McNab on the grounds of his religious beliefs by preventing him applying for a promoted post teaching pastoral care. He was awarded £2000 compensation. Under an agreement drawn up between the former Strathclyde region and the church in 1991, non-Catholics are excluded from certain key posts in denominational schools, such as headteacher, assistant head and teacher of religious education, biology or guidance. However, yesterday's ruling stated that the 1980 Education (Scotland) Act 'does not permit the Roman Catholic Church to reserve certain posts for teachers who are Roman Catholics.'"