“We need to support him”: Protesters rally behind jailed teacher

“We’re here in support of Enoch Burke, who is in prison because he stuck by his principles.”

That was what Gript was told by a small group of protestors on Saturday, who had gathered outside Mount Joy prison to support the incarcerated teacher.

Burke has been in Mount Joy since September 9th, after being found in contempt of court for violating a court order.

When Burke was asked to refer to a gender “non-binary” student by “they/them” pronouns, he refused, saying that to do so would compromise his religious beliefs as a Christian. For this he was suspended from his job as a History and German teacher at Wilson’s Hospital School, Co. Westmeath. In addition, a High Court injunction ordered him to stay away from the college. He chose to violate this injunction, going to the college anyway, and was subsequently arrested and jailed.

However, protesters say that the contempt is merely an excuse, and that Burke is a “political prisoner.”

“Most political prisoners and prisoners of conscience are jailed for reasons other than what they were actually sent to jail for,” one man said.

“It’s what happens when you go against the agenda of the state, or when society is against your beliefs. You can end up in jail for a very long time.”

“We need to support this man. He’s done what so few have found the courage to do.”

“Enoch Burke is to be applauded for standing up for his principles…When you see things become absurd, that’s when you have to call a halt to it.”

“Most people have expressed their support, but there are individuals who have shouted abuse, saying he deserves to rot inside. They get very exercised and they’re adamant that he deserves what has happened to him.”

https://gript.ie/we-need-to-support-him-protesters-rally-behind-jailed-teacher/