| Norfolk Christian PC in gay pride row
 A row between a Christian police constable and homosexual colleagues could cost taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds after the Norfolk officer objected to pro-gay messages, reports the EDP.
PC Graham Cogman, 49, from Sea Palling, claims his life was turned into a nightmare after a series of investigations into complaints that he was homophobic. He plans to take the force to an employment tribunal that would rack up a costly legal bill for Norfolk police - though the constabulary says it has not received formal notification of proceedings.
PC Cogman, who fears his job is under threat, says police forces have become obsessed with inclusiveness to the detriment of Christian beliefs.
He added: "The blatant support for homosexual rights in Norfolk police makes being a Christian officer extremely difficult. I am not undertaking this action lightly, but I have to make a stand when things become so blatantly biased against me just because I hold a faith."
A police spokesman said the force welcomed all beliefs and respected the views of individuals but could not tolerate any form of prejudice among officers. Mr Cogman's behaviour is said to have fallen well below expec-ted standards of professionalism.
Although the force intends to fight Mr Cogman's legal challenge, bosses are mindful of recent expensive claims. Only last month they were told to pay £280,000 to a retired inspector over a recruitment error and senior officers admitted it would be hard to justify such a huge sum to taxpayers.
And in March, a 16-month criminal investigation into an alleged culture of bullying and harassment cleared senior officers of any wrongdoing, at a cost of more than £150,000. Ironically, in that case one of the officers claimed the force was homophobic.
The latest quarrel erupted when Mr Cogman objected to emails circulated to staff encouraging them to wear pink ribbons as a symbol of gay pride. He responded by quoting biblical texts and sending remarks which some considered offensive.
Police media director Anne Campbell said: "The force will not tolerate any form of homophobic behaviour, and the officer faced a police disciplinary tribunal for his comments and was fined 13 days pay.
"Whilst the force fully respects the officer has strong beliefs, it is only correct that he respects the beliefs and wishes of others.
"His behaviour fell well below the standard which we expect and his actions did not represent the professionalism of the 3,000-plus police officers and police staff who work for this organisation."
PC Cogman was working in Yarmouth two years ago when gay liaison officers circulated an email encouraging staff to wear a pink ribbon on uniforms in Gay History Month. He claims he was bombarded with gay posters and information about gay events.
The father of two, who attends the Anglican church at Sea Palling, sent an email in response quoting the Bible and suggesting homosexual sex was sinful. He was accused of failing to show respect and tolerance and banned from using the internal messaging system.
The following year, he objected to a similar email asking officers to wear a rainbow ribbon, saying it was inappropriate, thoughtless and insensitive as the rainbow symbolised God's faithfulness. He was also accused of victimising another gay liaison officer by saying in her presence: "Love the sinner, hate the deed."
After an investigation, PC Cogman admitted a breach of the police code of conduct and received the maximum fine of about £1,200.
He now faces another disciplinary hearing after circulating a link to an American Christian group offering counselling for people struggling with their sexuality.
Article courtesy of www.edp24.co.uk
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