Claimant v The Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found after a three-day full merits hearing that the claimant failed to establish that he was subjected to direct religious belief discrimination by the respondent Buddhist Centre. The claim was not well-founded and was dismissed.
Facts
Mr Howson brought a claim of direct religious belief discrimination against The Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds. The case was heard over three days in July 2025. The claimant represented himself while the respondent charity was represented by a trustee, Mr K Prest. Full written reasons were not provided in the judgment document as they were given orally at the hearing.
Decision
The Employment Tribunal found that the complaint of direct religious belief discrimination was not well-founded and dismissed the claim. The tribunal heard evidence and submissions over three days before reaching its decision.
Practical note
Even when a claimant alleges discrimination related to religious belief against a religious organisation, the claimant must establish the elements of direct discrimination to succeed.
Case details
- Case number
- 6002593/2024
- Decision date
- 24 July 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 3
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- charity
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No