Red Cross volunteer Bryan Barkley loses appeal

The British Red Cross has refused to reinstate Bryan Barkley, or even apologise for punishing him for his belief in traditional marriage following his appeal last month against dismissal.

In its letter confirming the appeal outcome, the Red Cross apologises for taking so long to deal with Mr Barkley’s case and for not following its own procedures. But its decision still ignores the thousands of expressions of support for Mr Barkley. It is now rebranding his stance as ‘political campaigning’.

Understandably upset by his unfair treatment, the 71-year-old grandfather criticised the Red Cross’ handling of his case. Incredibly, the organisation has now used his criticisms to create new grounds for dismissal.

However, these new accusations have not been included in the records for the appeal and Mr Barkley, a volunteer for over 18 years, denies any wrongdoing. Since the Red Cross states that the process “is exhausted” he cannot challenge them further – a deeply unfair outcome that leaves him unable to clear his good name.

An extract from the British Red Cross newsletter, March 2011

One of the country’s largest charities has singled out one man for appalling treatment because he had the temerity to publicly express a view against the new orthodoxy of same-sex marriage. The Red Cross regards a belief held by billions around the world since time immemorial as nothing more than “an attempt to campaign for a political view”.

The Red Cross has sacked a long-term volunteer because he believes that marriage is between a man and a woman. Who will it sack next?

C4M has written to Mike Adamson, CEO of the British Red Cross, asking him to confirm whether he will now be taking action against all volunteers and employees of the Red Cross who have made any kind of public remarks concerning ‘political’ issues.

When Mr Barkley protested against the redefinition of marriage back in March last year, there was nothing to indicate that he was in any way connected to the Red Cross.

But we are aware of a number of people who publicly identify themselves as Red Cross volunteers and have used social media to express overtly political views. These views include support for the introduction of same-sex marriage and campaigning for and against UK political parties.

We have therefore challenged Mr Adamson to show that he does not selectively apply Red Cross policies according to misguided political correctness.

If he so chooses, he can do this by taking immediate action against anyone in his organisation publicly expressing a political view, whether that be on fracking or fair trade, taxation or transport policy, or dare we say it…pro same-sex marriage.

Alternatively, he could see sense and overturn his organisation’s absurd decision.