Irish teacher Enoch Burke has been jailed for the third time after being arrested outside Wilson’s Hospital School, which dismissed him for refusing to use the preferred pronouns of a transitioning student.
The controversy began in May 2022, when Burke publicly opposed the school’s policy requiring staff to use the student’s new name and pronouns. Citing his religious beliefs, Burke refused to comply, stating that doing so was against his faith.
Burke was first imprisoned in September 2022, spending 100 days behind bars before his release. He was jailed again in September 2023 and spent Christmas in prison before being released in June this year.
On September 2, Burke was detained outside the school in Co. Westmeath, Ireland. He was placed in a Garda vehicle and taken to the Four Courts in Dublin. Justice Michael Quinn sentenced him to Mountjoy Prison for contempt of court after Burke defied a High Court injunction barring him from the school grounds. Burke refused to confirm whether he intended to return to the school, prompting the judge’s decision.
Burke, an Evangelical Christian, expressed his frustration to Justice Quinn, stating, “You will answer to God for imprisoning me for my religious beliefs.” He was dismissed from the school for gross misconduct in January 2023 due to his refusal to use the student’s new name and pronouns. Despite his dismissal, he continued to receive his salary pending his appeal, which amounted to around €72,000 while on administrative leave.
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Justice Quinn highlighted the urgent need to address the disruptions caused by Burke’s continued presence at the school. He noted that Burke’s actions were interfering with the daily operations and duties of the school’s staff.
During the proceedings, Burke and his family argued that the courts had failed to address the validity of the school’s demands as outlined by the then-principal, Niamh McShane. Burke contended that the legality of the school’s requirements was never properly examined.
In a previous ruling, Judge Owens supported the school’s decision to suspend Burke, citing concerns about his “harmful and disruptive conduct” during staff meetings, chapel services, and other school events.
Burke maintained that his religious beliefs were being unfairly suppressed, arguing that his Christian faith dictates a belief in traditional gender roles. He criticized what he sees as a mandate to enforce transgender ideology on students, claiming it could lead to serious consequences for children.
The court also noted that Burke has yet to pay €88,000 in fines incurred for defying the court order last year. Rosemary Mallon BL, representing the school, acknowledged challenges in collecting these fines and stated that debt collection procedures for individuals are more complex than for companies.
Burke continues to receive his salary from the Department of Education, while his appeal against his dismissal remains pending. The Court of Appeal must first rule on his challenge regarding the appeal board members before his dismissal appeal can be heard.