A lesbian pastor in a central diocese in Sweden has alleged discrimination after being passed over for a job.

The unnamed 39-year-old had applied in June 2010 to fill an extended temporary position with the diocese in Strängnäs, about 90 kilometres from Stockholm. A retired pastor in his seventies had been filling the vacancy until a candidate could be found.

It is claimed that although the local vicar responded with enthusiasm to the application by the pastor he later told a diocese colleague that the woman was “one of those”. He went on to express concerns about a lesbian couple living on parish grounds. The pastor received an email from the vicar stating that her services were no longer required and that the retired pastor would continue in the temporary post he held.

A contact of the 39-year-old responded to an outstanding email several weeks later, suggesting that the preference for the older pastor had been a form of discrimination. The pastor initially thought the discrimination was age-related but found out in September 2010 that her sexual orientation was the issue.

An anti-discrimination group in Sweden, Örebro Rättighetscenter, have helped the pastor with her case and have filed a complaint with the country’s Equality Ombudsman. The fact that an independent witness corroborates the discrimination is something which the rights group believes strengthens the case. The vicar involved has declined to comment on the situation.

Sweden is considered one of the most gay-friendly countries in Europe. From 1995 to 2009 couples could register their partnerships, an act which offered most benefits of marriage. In May 2009 same-sex marriage was legalised in the country and passed through Swedish parliament 261 votes to 22.

Comments are closed.