Christian police officer sacking row

A religious leader has written to Norfolk police complaining about the dismissal of a Christian officer found guilty of misconduct after he expressed his anti-gay beliefs.

A religious leader has written to Norfolk police complaining about the dismissal of a Christian officer found guilty of misconduct after he expressed his anti-gay beliefs.

The Rev Martin Young, vicar at St Andrew's Church in Norwich, sent an open letter to the force's professional standards department. It follows last week's decision to sack PC Graham Cogman, from Sea Palling, after he was found to have failed to comply with a lawful order over the use of force computers and failure to treat colleagues with politeness and tolerance.

But last night police spokesman Anne Campbell said the issue was “not about Mr Cogman's beliefs but about his behaviour” after he ignored repeated warnings.

She added that the force would not publicly discuss the evidence unless Mr Cogman chose to do so.

It was the latest in a series of disciplinary procedures to be brought against him. He had previously been banned from using computer messaging systems and fined for expressing his opposition to the promotion of homosexuality.

On one occasion Mr Cogman quoted the phrase “Love the sinner, hate the deed” in an email to a gay liaison officer; on another he forwarded an internet link to an American organisation offering to “cure” homosexuality.

Mr Young said: “Norfolk constabulary has manifestly failed to uphold PC Cogman's right to express his Christian faith. His views are not extreme or unusual. They are consistent with the published understanding of the Church of England, of which he is a member.”