RED CROSS UPDATE – MARRIAGE HEARING TOMORROW

A date has now been set for Red Cross volunteer Bryan Barkley’s appeal against his dismissal for supporting marriage. The hearing will be tomorrow Thursday 11 December.

Thank you again to the many people who have contacted the Red Cross over its decision to axe Mr Barkley for his stance on marriage.

We are aware that the Red Cross has been responding to some of you saying: “we want to make it absolutely clear that the British Red Cross did not dismiss this volunteer because of his views on same sex marriage”.

However, correspondence makes it clear that Mr Barkley was dismissed for one reason and one reason only – his belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman.

In a letter inviting Mr Barkley to a ‘discussion’ meeting, the Red Cross wrote, “the purpose of the meeting is to discuss your recent activity, in relation to your objection to same sex marriage”. This message was repeated in his dismissal letter in August 2014.

In light of this, we would urge you to continue to challenge the Red Cross over its actions.

You can email supportercare@redcross.org.uk for the attention of Mike Adamson, CEO of the British Red Cross.

Alternatively, you can call: 020 7138 7900, 020 7877 700 or 0844 871 11 11. Lines are open between 9am and 5.30pm.

To write to the British Red Cross, address letters to: British Red Cross, 44 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9AL.

Please express your dismay that the charity should dismiss a volunteer because of their views on same-sex marriage and then tell their supporters that this was not the case.

Ask the Red Cross to make a full apology to Mr Barkley and reinstate him without further delay.