Rallying for Rights: Christians Unite for Free Speech as Court Hears Kristie Higgs’ Appeal

“No one should be sacked for raising the concerns that I did in the way that I did,” Higgs said ahead of the hearing. “My posts were a warning, and I pray the Court of Appeal will protect Christian employees and parents’ freedom to express their beliefs without fear of being silenced.”

In a powerful show of solidarity, Christians from across the UK gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, united in their fight for free speech and religious freedom. The case at the heart of this rally is that of Kristie Higgs, a Christian school worker who was dismissed for expressing concerns about LGBT+ education at her son’s Church of England primary school. As the Court of Appeal prepares to hear her challenge, the growing support for her cause is a clear sign of the rising tensions between personal faith and societal change.

Higgs, who was terminated from her role at Farmor’s School in Fairford in 2019 for gross misconduct, has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for free speech, particularly for Christians in the workplace. Her posts, shared on Facebook under her maiden name and visible to around 100 friends, voiced opposition to the “No Outsiders in Our School” program, which promotes discussions on gender identity and same-sex relationships in primary schools. In one post, Higgs described the initiative as “brainwashing our children,” sparking an anonymous complaint that led to a six-hour disciplinary hearing and her eventual dismissal.

But this week, the fight moves to the highest levels of the legal system. As the Court of Appeal considers her case, Higgs is hopeful that the ruling will affirm the rights of Christians to express their beliefs freely, without fear of losing their livelihoods.

“No one should be sacked for raising the concerns that I did in the way that I did,” Higgs said ahead of the hearing. “My posts were a warning, and I pray the Court of Appeal will protect Christian employees and parents’ freedom to express their beliefs without fear of being silenced.”

The hearing is expected to have significant implications for religious freedom and free speech in the UK workplace. Higgs’ case has already been through the legal system. In 2020, a tribunal ruled that while her religious beliefs were protected under the Equality Act, her dismissal was lawful due to the potential perception of her posts as homophobic and transphobic. An appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled in her favor, sending the case back for further review.

Now, Higgs and her supporters hope that the Court of Appeal will issue a final ruling that not only clears her name but also sets a precedent for the protection of free speech, especially for Christians who feel their views are increasingly at odds with modern social values.

Outside the courtroom, the rally for freedom of speech drew high-profile Christians who have themselves faced repercussions for expressing their beliefs. Members of the Freedom Rally, many of whom have lost jobs or faced discrimination, gathered to call for stronger protections for Christian employees. Their message was clear: no one should be punished for peacefully expressing their faith.

Among those gathered were individuals who have fought similar battles, including ministers, teachers, and social workers, all with stories of their own brushes with dismissal and discipline for standing by their Christian values. Their presence amplified the call for justice, standing with Higgs in what they believe is a pivotal moment for faith-based free speech in the UK.

Chants of “Protect Free Speech” and “Stand for Religious Freedom” echoed through the streets, as demonstrators held placards bearing messages of hope, unity, and faith. For them, the outcome of Higgs’ case is about more than just one person’s fight—it’s about defending the right of Christians across the country to speak up for their beliefs without fear of retribution.

“This case is about ensuring that Christians can participate fully in public life, without the constant threat of losing their job or their reputation,” said one rally participant. “We must protect our right to free speech, just as we would for anyone else.”

As the hearing continues, attention will remain focused on the court’s decision, which could have far-reaching consequences for religious freedom in the workplace. For Higgs and her supporters, the hope is clear: a ruling that upholds the right to express faith-based views in an increasingly secular society.

The Court of Appeal is expected to conclude the hearing by Thursday, but regardless of the outcome, the rallying cry for free speech is louder than ever. In a world where faith and freedom often seem at odds, Kristie Higgs’ case has sparked a conversation that goes beyond the courtroom—a conversation about the kind of society the UK wants to be and how it will balance the rights of individuals to live out their faith in an ever-changing world.