Sara Morrison v Belfast Film Festival
Film festival employee alleges discrimination over gender critical beliefs
Sara Morrison, formerly the Inclusion and Audience Development Coordinator at Belfast Film Festival (BFF), is bringing an employment tribunal claim alleging discrimination and constructive dismissal on the basis of her gender-critical beliefs.
On 16th September 2023, Ms Morrison attended a Let Women Speak event in Belfast in a personal capacity, organised by women’s rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen. After footage of her speech circulated online, she claims she was subjected to online abuse, with her name, photo, and workplace shared, and her employer and colleagues targeted.
Ms Morrison claims BFF responded to complaints by launching an investigation, revoking her access to work systems, and asking for her keys, effectively excluding her from her role. She claims that the “conditions were so intolerable” she had “no option” but to resign in November 2024 & alleges constructive dismissal.
She argues her gender-critical beliefs are legally protected and that she was discriminated against for expressing them. BFF denies wrongdoing and says it must uphold its organisational values and respond appropriately to public concerns.
Status
A preliminary hearing took place at the Employment Tribunal in Belfast on 30th May 2024 and the case was listed for 5 days, commencing 13th January 2025.
The hearing was then moved and will be heard over 2 weeks commencing 10th November 2025. Barrister Naomi Cunningham is representing Ms Morrison, assisted by Charlotte Elves.
Reports
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Press Coverage
Here are links to a selection of relevant press coverage about this case. These links are included without comment and are not endorsed by Tribunal Tweets. This is a sample of coverage only, with most recent first - it is not comprehensive. Please DM our main Twitter account to submit coverage from an established news outlet. Any paywalled article must be archived.
11th November 2025
BBC - Woman backed by JK Rowling subjected to 'witch hunt' - tribunal
10th November 2025
BBC - Woman backed by JK Rowling 'not opposed to trans rights' - tribunal
Tribunal began 10th November 2025
7th November 2025
The Times - Gender-critical film worker sues former employer over trans rights speech
5 Aug 2024
Telegraph - JK Rowling bankrolls legal fight against workplace gender police
7 June 2024
Belfast Telegraph - JK Rowling backs NI woman’s bid to sue employer after being ‘persecuted’ for addressing Let Women Speak rally
21 Jan 2024
[VIDEO] Free Speech Nation - The chilling effect of hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland