• Full Story

Sacked teacher talks about homophobia

Email
Print

Sacked teacher talks about homophobia

3News NZ

The teacher sacked from a Catholic school over principal's anti-gay marriage comments is to speak at a conference in Wellington (file)

The teacher sacked from a Catholic school over principal's anti-gay marriage comments is to speak at a conference in Wellington (file)

A teacher sacked from a Northland school for supporting students objecting to anti-gay marriage comments by his principal will speak at a conference in Wellington on today about standing up to homophobia in the workplace.

Nigel Studdart was sacked from Northland's Catholic Pompallier College in September for backing students who planned to wear rainbow wristbands after comments by principal Richard Stanton in a school newsletter. Mr Stanton opposed the proposed legalisation of gay marriage and said same-sex couples might be more inclined to think of children as a right rather than a gift.

Mr Studdart said at the time he was upset that he had lost his job, but he couldn't have done anything else.

"And every time I get another message it really confirms what I did was the right thing to do."

Conference organiser Rawa Karetai, from the Campaign for Marriage Equality Wellington Group, said they supported Mr Studdart taking a principled stand.

Also speaking will be long-time gay activist Bill Logan and Green Party MP Jan Logie. The conference finishes tomorrow.

NZN

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

6/12/2012 11:20:10 a.m.

frank wrote:

Mr Studdard was very naive when he got talked into kicking up a frenzy at the northland school by the gay activist ,they knew what the outcome was going to be before the deed was done.''shock horror teacher sacked for being a good mate to his pupils''.Well it all backed fired thanks to the steady hand of the headmaster,board of trustees and the parents,unfortunately the man lost his job ,because he followed stupid advice. I think the decent thing to do now would be for the GAY'S to put their hands in their pockets and pay Mr Studdards wages. Perhaps later he might want to make a public apology to the school and they might just take him back,that would be nice.

5/12/2012 3:22:35 p.m.

Boyd wrote:

Yes Craig, and can I go further. I think the term 'Christian Right' is an oxymoron. There is no such thing as a right wing Christian. A true Christian would not deny the same rights to a minority group as the majority enjoy or would sack anyone that speaks up for the rights of the disadvantaged. The Good Samaritan story is one of my favourites from the bible.

5/12/2012 12:54:20 p.m.

Dan wrote:

What do you mean "after reading your comments in the previous posts what it is you are for or against could al make it more clear", Frank? I believe in some conservative things and some liberal things and will not subscribe to the notion of being stereotyped as a "leftie" or "liberal" in an ill-fated attempt for you to try to advance your bigoted views.

5/12/2012 12:24:58 p.m.

frank wrote:

No point commenting on Craig's post....same old.....same old,nothing new.It must get boring .

4/12/2012 12:32:09 p.m.

Greg wrote:

Isnt this against the employment law.
Or do our laws really mean squat.

4/12/2012 9:26:09 a.m.

frank wrote:

After reading the comments in the previous posts what it is you are for or against could all make it more clear.

3/12/2012 2:42:07 p.m.

Craig wrote:

Indeed, Boyd. Free speech and tolerance appear to be in short supply when it comes to the Christian Right. This is why they're nicknamed the "Bully Pulpit" within LGBT communities.

Such hypocrisy, too. Would that the Catholic Church showed such prompt activity when it came to those who really do merit immediate suspension and removal from public responsibilities, namely Catholic clergy pedophiles. However, that would be asking for transparency, accountability and integrity from this institution.

3/12/2012 12:29:39 p.m.

Dan wrote:

A lawyer could argue that the contract was null and void, Frank. Why? Because you cannot be bound to a contract which requests that you do something that is illegal. Last time I checked, discrimination was illegal. Discrimination can include comments, or supporting comments, which unfairly target a minority group. The teacher was right in speaking out.

2/12/2012 9:06:03 p.m.

Boyd wrote:

Ridiculous what happened to freedom of speech that the homophobes love to remind us of? And here they are approving of Nigel's sacking. Complete hypocrites, you're just a joke.

2/12/2012 5:41:14 p.m.

corrigenda wrote:

I personally oppose marriage between homosexuals but I also don't think someone should lose their job because they disagree. It is called Freedom of Speech and too many people are shut down by bullyboy tactics.