Irish Christian teacher Enoch Burke is banned from Wilson's Hospital School over a transgender pronouns row

Enoch Burke was suspended and later dismissed from Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath after refusing to use a student's preferred pronouns and name. The dispute began in June 2022 when then-principal Niamh McShane instructed staff to refer to a pupil using "they" and "them" — a directive Burke, an evangelical Christian, declined on religious grounds. His dismissal was upheld following an appeal last May, though he has since been granted High Court permission to challenge that outcome. A permanent injunction now prohibits him from entering the school grounds.

Burke has spent more than 700 days in custody across multiple spells for defying the court order prohibiting his presence at the school.

Outstanding fines against Burke stand at over €208,000, with a receiver appointed to seize funds after he refused to pay voluntarily.

He reappeared at the school gates at the start of the new term this week, despite facing fresh committal proceedings if he breaches the injunction again.