Irish teacher released after trans row imprisonment

Irish teacher Enoch Burke, who was jailed multiple times after refusing to address a transitioning student by their “preferred pronouns” due to his religious beliefs, has been released from prison.

Justice David Nolan ruled that further imprisonment for contempt of court was ineffective and instead imposed a daily fine of €1,400 (£1,100) for his continued defiance of court orders barring him from entering Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath.

Burke’s latest imprisonment marked his third stint behind bars since 2022, totaling 512 days. Despite being dismissed from his position for gross misconduct, Burke has reportedly continued receiving his salary while on administrative leave.

The controversy began in May 2022 when Burke openly opposed a school’s request to use a transitioning student’s new name and pronouns, citing his Evangelical Christian beliefs.

His refusal led to his dismissal and legal battles.

During a chaotic hearing earlier this week, the Judge David Nolan criticised Burke’s “misguided and ridiculous arguments,” urging him to reconsider his actions. The court also plans to involve the Attorney General and Department of Finance to directly deduct fines from Burke’s salary.

According to Burke’s supporters in court, Nolan declared in court that anyone who spoke during the proceedings would be permanently banned from attending all future hearings. This announcement drew immediate criticism, as the Supreme Court has previously ruled such actions illegal. Burke promptly stood to challenge what he called a “sinister and unlawful directive.” Despite the objection, Judge Nolan refused to retract his statement and later denied having made it. However, the incident is reportedly captured on the court’s Digital Audio Recording (DAR) system.

During RTÉ’s national lunchtime news broadcast, reporter Orla O’Donnell made no mention of the controversial events. This omission has sparked outrage, with critics arguing that the public has a right to be informed. By failing to report on the judge’s “alleged misconduct”, RTÉ and O’Donnell were accused by Burke’s supporters of neglecting their journalistic duty and shielding the judge from accountability.

BREAKING: Judge orders release of teacher Enoch Burke after lying on the bench

Judge David Nolan announced in court this morning that if anyone spoke in the court he would permanently ban them from all future hearings. The Supreme Court has ruled that this is illegal. Enoch… pic.twitter.com/IlbuIxBjqy

— Enoch Burke (@EnochBurke) December 20, 2024