Catholic soldier wins sectarian abuse case

A Catholic soldier who was a member of the Territorial Army, (the British Army's reserve force) has been awarded £32,500 in damages for enduring eleven years of sectarian harassment and discrimination at the hands of his colleagues.

The Fair Employment Tribunal has ruled that the part-time soldier, whose name has been withheld, was also passed over for promotion and subjected to "sectarian jokes and quips".

The Tribunal also heard that soldiers sang loyalist songs "with particular religious and political connotations" in the man's presence and ruled that even though the soldier had not complained, these had had an impact on him.

It also ruled that the soldier's experiences were indicative of a culture that existed within the Territorial Army and said it highlighted the importance of an effective Equal Opportunities Policy.

"The Ministry of Defence has the same responsibilities towards their staff as any other employer," said Equality Commission chief commissioner Joan Harbison, "This case emphasises how important it is for all employers to ensure that they promote a good and harmonious working environment and an atmosphere in which no employee feels under threat or intimidated because of their religious belief or political opinion.

"It is particularly important that employers recognise the need to put in place practical measures which will give effect to this, such as equal opportunity policies, and support them with good relevant training on equal opportunities issues."