Multyfarnham, Ireland — A contentious scene played out at a local school as Enoch Burke, a teacher recently terminated due to a dispute over transgender pronouns, resumed his protest despite a High Court injunction requiring him to maintain distance from the institution. Burke, who has previously been jailed three times for defying court orders, argues his resistance stems from religious convictions.
Ross Lahive, a supporter from Shandon, Cork, joined approximately 20 others in a demonstration outside the school in Westmeath. Lahive, himself facing legal challenges for assault, described Burke as a “staunch man,” praising his humility and conviction. Protestors held signs declaring Burke’s innocence, emphasizing his Christian and educational roles, and calling for the dismissal of all charges against him.
Burke’s conflict began in August 2022 when he was suspended by the school’s board of management after he refused a principal’s request to address a transgender student using their chosen name and pronouns. His refusal, grounded in his evangelical Christian beliefs, sparked considerable debate and led to his subsequent dismissal.
Since his suspension, Burke has been fined €193,000 for continuous breaches of court orders. Despite these penalties, each release from jail sees him returning to the school, maintaining he is unjustly persecuted for his refusal to “accept transgenderism.”
This defiance brought another warning from Mr. Justice David Nolan last month, who increased the daily fine Burke faces for trespassing on school property to €1,400, up from the previously set €700. The judge voiced concerns that Burke was using his incarceration to further his own objectives, potentially exploiting the situation for personal gain.
Outside the school gates Tuesday evening, Burke passionately defended his actions, expressing a heartfelt desire to return to his teaching duties. “I should be in a classroom today,” he said, lamenting his forced absence which he claims is solely due to his stance on transgender recognition.
Legal representatives of the school have pointed out difficulties in collecting the imposed fines from Burke, prompting a High Court judge to direct officials from the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Finance to propose a viable mechanism for enforcing payment, possibly through Burke’s salary. The case is set for another High Court hearing later this month.
The case of Enoch Burke not only underscores the ongoing global discussions surrounding transgender rights and religious freedom but also raises significant legal questions about the enforcement of court orders and the limits of individual resistance against institutional policies.