Relationship counsellor 'sacked for refusing to work with gay couples'

Gary McFarlane, a solicitor and former church elder, will take the Bristol branch of relationship charity Relate to employment tribunal on Monday.

The 47-year-old, from Hanham, Bristol, will claim unfair dismissal on grounds of religious discrimination and accuse his former supervisors of refusing to accommodate his beliefs.

Father-of-two Mr McFarlane started training with Relate in May 2003 and said he enjoyed good relationships with clients and colleagues.

He was suspended after meetings with his manager in October 2007, in which he claims he was asked to state his views regarding same-sex couples.

Mr McFarlane claims he was harassed and labelled a "homophobe" after his suspension was lifted, and following a further disciplinary hearing, was dismissed on March 18.

He said: "I love the community of Bristol. I live in a great city, with a history. There is no room for oppression of any people and a return to the past.

"The issues are way bigger than one individual. Society will be the poorer if we do not balance rights fairly and respectfully."

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Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom