Expelled Green’s human rights bid (From The Argus)

Councillor consults lawyers after expulsion from Brighton Green group

12:40pm Tuesday 20th November 2012 in News

A Christian councillor is consulting lawyers about a human rights claim after losing an appeal against expulsion her from her group.

Christina Summers was banned from sitting with her Green Party colleagues on Brighton and Hove City Council in September after voting against a proposal to lift the ban on same-sex marriage.

The decision, which was approved by 13 of the city’s 23 Green councillors, was upheld by a panel of senior members of the Green Party of England and Wales.

Coun Summers, who now represents Hollingdean and Stanmer as an independent, received notification of the letter yesterday.

She told The Argus: “Disappointed? In every way. Surprised? No. I am now consulting with lawyers over a fundamental breach of a human right and will be issuing a full statement soon.”

The original decision to expel her was taken in September after an internal inquiry by Brighton and Hove Green party.

At the centre of its inquiry was a vote in July where the local authority’s councillors were asked if they supported a motion to lobby the Government on changing the law.

Coun Summers was the only member to vote against the proposal.

A Green Party spokesman confirmed yesterday’s ruling did not affect Coun Summers’ membership of the party.

Rob Shepherd, chairman of Brighton and Hove Green Party, said: “We welcome the conclusion of Christina Summers’ appeal, which has upheld the findings of the original inquiry panel.”

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