Woman minister's discrimination case settled
25 Oct 06
Out-of-court agreement ends case that went to the Lords
A nine-year legal battle has ended with an out-of-court settlement between the Church of Scotland and Helen Percy, the minister who fought to have a sex discrrimination claim heard before the civil courts.
Ms Percy was suspended from her Perthshire ministry after admitting a sexual relationship with married church elder Sandy Nicoll. She claimed that the Church had treated her differently from male ministers involved in extra-marital affairs.
The employment tribunals and on appeal the Court of Session ruled that as her duties were essentially spiritual, she did not have the protection of the employment legislation. On a final appeal to the House of Lords she won a ruling that the Church had a case to answer before the courts.
Her case was due to come before a tribunal to be heard on the merits, but has now settled.
Ms Percy said that despite the long struggle she would not rule out a return to the Church. She added that there were moments "when only the support of my friends and lawyer kept me going". She was represented by James Baxter of Elliot & Co, Blairgowrie.