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EXCLUSIVE Officer disciplined for refusing to work at pride march tells of his family's heartache at ruling. A FIREFIGHTER disciplined for refusing to hand out safety leaflets at a gay parade has spoken for the first time about his family's "terrible ordeal".
Devout Catholic John Mitchell - who was hand-picked to be lead pall-bearer at the funeral of First Minister Donald Dewar in 2000 - objected to revellers at the march being dressed as nuns. But Mitchell, 38, was given a written warning by his bosses at Strathclyde Fire and Rescue for snubbing the Pride Scotia event in Glasgow in June. He was one of nine firemen who boycotted it. John - who was seen by millions on t TV carrying the First Minister's coffin from Glasgow Cathedral - is now going to an industrial tribunal to have the ruling overturned. Last night, the father of three -is not a member of the Fire Brigades Union - said: "This has been a terrible ordeal. for my family and 11 not want to put them through any more than I have to. It is a difficult time. My lawyers will be dealing with it. The situation is very delicate and I do not want to say anything to jeopardise that." John, who has 10 years' service, also wants the tribunal to back his right not to hand out leaflets at gay or similar marches on religious and moral grounds. The Sunday Mail revealed two weeks ago how singer Sinitta is re-releasing her 1985 hit So Macho in tribute to John and his colleagues. George Hargreaves -who wrote the song - has pledged I £50,000 toward the legal bills of those taking Strathclyde to court. John said: "I have spoken to Mr Hargreaves, as have colleagues." He also has the full support of the Catholic Church. Spokesman Simon Dames said: "People should have the right to object on the grounds of conscience." Source: sundaymail.co.uk |
