UK teacher banned from profession over gay statements

A British school teacher who told children that “gay people have a disease” has been banned from the profession.

Joshua Onduso was teaching at a specialist school for students who have difficulty attending regular school, many of the students have emotional and mental health issues.

In May 2015 when students asked the teacher what he thought about gay people he told them homosexuals were “diseased”, “have something wrong upstairs” and were “sick in the head”.

The school’s head teacher investigated the incident and dismissed the science and careers teacher from his position in September 2015.

Onduso has subsequently been banned from the profession of teaching by a National College for Teaching and Leadership professional conduct panel. The panel handed down its judgement in September.

After hearing from students and other teachers the panel said Onduso had “demonstrated a lack of tolerance and respect for the rights and beliefs of others.”

The teacher defended his comments citing his religious beliefs.

“I don’t encourage gay people because of my beliefs, I am a Christian. I don’t condone what they do.” Onduso said.

The teacher has inidcated he will now take his fight to Britain’s High Court.

OIP Staff