Council cleared over trans dismissal

By Marc Shoffman • February 9, 2006 - 0:00

The tribunal ruled council bosses could not have discriminated against Mr Baldwin because they did not even know he had decided to change his gender

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An employment tribunal has dismissed claims that a former gay rights officer was unfairly dismissed after he had a sex change.

Brighton and Hove City Council had been accused of sex discrimination and sacking sex change employee, Andy Baldwin when he changed his name from Andrea to Andy.

The tribunal ruled that council bosses could not have discriminated against Mr Baldwin because they did not even know he had decided to change his gender.

And the judgement published yesterday states Mr Baldwin's employees did not cause him to resign from his £26,000-a-year job as the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) safety forum due to ill treatment.

Deputy council leader Sue John told the Telegraph: "I am pleased with the judgement, which I think is an accurate reflection of events."

"The council is well aware of its responsibilities to all sections of the city's diverse population.

"Unfortunately, the unfounded claims made at this tribunal were potentially damaging to the council generally and to certain individuals in particular."

Mr Baldwin, 34, says he was forced out of his job for the local authority after he changed his name from Andrea. He claims that he lost his £26,000-a-year job due to a "culture of prejudice and discrimination against transsexuals"

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