Christian Policeman to fight persecution

Briefing.

From the Christian Legal Centre: PC Graham Cogman, has taken his police force to an Employment Tribunal on grounds of harassment because of his traditional Christian values. PC Cogman, 49, from Sea Palling in North Norfolk, has been an officer with the
Norfolk Police for 15 years, having previously served in the RAF for 12 years.

PC Cogman is taking the unprecedented action as a serving policeman after a
series of complaints and investigations suggesting he is ‘homophobic’ –
something he strenuously denies. He says that the ‘over the top’ promotion of
homosexual rights within Norfolk Police makes being a Christian policeman, or
an officer with traditional family values, extremely difficult, unless a person
is prepared to ignore his or her conscience.


In 2006, PC Cogman was working at the force’s Great Yarmouth headquarters when
gay liaison officers put ‘politically correct’ pressure on all colleagues to
wear a pink ribbon supporting Gay History Month. PC Cogman claims police
stations were flooded with homosexual literature and posters, including the
promotion of a gay quiz night in pubs. As a member of the Police force, an
organisation which he feels is charged with upholding traditional standards of
freedom of speech and association, he emailed colleagues with an alternative
view on the subject, stating his Christian views and reminding them that
Christians, and other members of society, whom they serve as officers, believed
homosexual acts were wrong in God’s eyes.


PC Cogman was subsequently accused of failing to be tolerant and banned from
using the force’s internal email system. When the event re-occurred 12 months
later, PC Cogman again protested, especially when the promoters wanted to use
the Rainbow Symbol, which has special significance for many Christians. The
officer was summoned to a full disciplinary hearing. On the advice of lawyers,
and because he was told he would lose his job otherwise, he pleaded guilty to a
breach of the police code of practice and was fined the maximum, £1,200. When
PC Cogman then added a Christian text to his computer screen saver, he was
questioned again and in April 2008, he was interviewed about his faith and
beliefs. He now faces a further full disciplinary hearing and is in fear of
losing his job.