Man fights work demotion over gay wedding comment

A Christian who was demoted in his job for a comment he wrote on Facebook about gay marriages has taken his employer to court.

Adrian Smith, 55, lost his managerial position and had a 40% salary cut after saying a gay wedding held in a churches was an "equality too far".

Mr Smith, speaking at the start of the trial at Manchester County Court, claimed Trafford Housing Trust (THT) acted unlawfully in demoting him.

The trial is due to end on Friday.

Disciplinary action was launched against Mr Smith when he commented next to a BBC News Online story, written in February 2011, with the headline, "Gay church 'marriage' set to get the go-ahead".

He claims THT breached his employment contract and interfered with his right to free speech.

Mr Smith, from Bolton, is being supported in his legal action by The Christian Institute, a national charity that defends the religious liberty of Christians.

The trust says it took action as his comment broke its code of conduct.