Gay Notts Canon takes 'discrimination' appeal to London

Canon Jeremy Pemberton, a Church of England priest had his licence to officiate in the diocese of Southwell and Nottingham revoked after he became the first gay clergyman to marry.

The priest of over 30-years married long-term partner Laurence Cunnington in a civil ceremony in April 2014.

He appeared at London’s Court of Appeal on Wednesday, January, 31, over discrimination claims.

Canon Pemberton originally brought an employment tribunal against the Rt Rev Richard Inwood, former acting Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham.

Canon Pemberton had planned to start a new role as head of chaplaincy and bereavement services at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - which runs Kings Mill, Mansfield Community Hospital and Ashfield Health Village, before his licence to officiate was revoked.

He was then refused for the role.

The tribunal ruled Canon Pemberton was not discriminated against.

In an appeal in 2016, his claims were also dismissed.

Canon Pemberton previously told your Chad, said: “I feel I have been left with little choice, having found myself being punished and discriminated against simply for exercising my right to marry.”