Judge Urges Council to Mandate Training

A judge has recommended that Cambridgeshire County Council revise its mandatory e-learning to include freedom of belief training following an employment tribunal decision in a philosophical belief discrimination case involving a “gender-fluid” dachshund.

Settlement and Compensation

Cambridgeshire County Council agreed to pay social worker Elizabeth Pitt £56,000 after the tribunal found she had been discriminated against and harassed on grounds of her gender-critical beliefs and sexual orientation. The tribunal also ordered an additional £8,000 in legal costs.

Incident at LGBTQIA+ Ally and Support Group Meeting

Pitt, who is a lesbian, was reported for allegedly making transphobic remarks during an LGBTQIA+ Ally and Support Group meeting held over Zoom. The discussion began when one attendee explained he identified his dachshund as gender-fluid and dressed the dog in a gown to spark a debate about gender. The conversation then escalated, with Pitt and a colleague allegedly expressing “nasty opinions” in an “aggressive tone.”

Council’s Investigation and Disciplinary Action

In April 2023, CCC notified Pitt that a formal concern had been raised about “some views” she and her colleague had expressed, which were deemed “inappropriate and offensive.” A meeting was convened to hear her side. Although Pitt denied aggression in tone, she admitted being direct and questioned the meeting’s purpose if open debate was disallowed.

By June 2023, a council report concluded that Pitt’s comments were “non-inclusive and transphobic,” had “caused significant offence,” and had adversely impacted complainants’ mental health. The council instructed her in writing to ensure her beliefs did not manifest in discriminatory comments or actions and barred her from contacting LGBTQIA+ group members during the informal stage of its disciplinary procedure.

Grievance, Liability Admission and Remedy

Pitt raised a grievance, querying the basis for concluding her expression of beliefs was unacceptable. No substantive response was provided. At tribunal, CCC conceded that gender-critical beliefs qualify as a protected philosophical belief but argued Pitt’s delivery was “aggressive and confrontational,” citing interruptions and tone.

On the first day of the final hearing in July 2024, CCC admitted liability for harassment based on her protected beliefs and sexual orientation. The parties then agreed on remedy terms. The tribunal awarded Pitt:

• £29,400 for loss of gross earnings (plus £1,500 interest)
• £22,000 for injury to feelings (plus £2,200 interest)
• £900 for counselling fees
• £8,000 contribution to legal costs

Training Recommendation and Next Steps

Employment Judge Paul Michell recommended that the council’s e-learning be revised to include a dedicated section on freedom of belief and speech in the workplace. He specified that the content be drafted by barrister Anya Palmer, renowned for representing Maya Forstater in her landmark gender-critical belief case. The revised module should be rolled out to all CCC employees within six months.

A council spokesman stated the authority aims “to create a safe, inclusive and compassionate environment,” balanced with everyone’s right to express their own beliefs. They confirmed a review of policies and procedures will follow this outcome.

For more on this topic, see our related coverage: Judge urges council to mandate freedom-of-belief training.