The Irish teacher Enoch Burke was released on 1 July from Mountjoy Prison in Dublin after having spent a total of more than 700 days behind bars.
Enoch Burke, an evangelical Christian and former teacher at Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath, has been in conflict with the school and the authorities since 2022. The conflict began when Burke refused to use gender-neutral pronouns (“they/them”) for a pupil who identified as transgender, as this conflicts with Burke’s Christian convictions.
– Burke, an unwelcome intruder who has lost his moral compass
The school suspended him and he was later dismissed. Burke has refused to respect court orders requiring him to stay away from the school grounds, which has resulted in charges of contempt of court.
Burke has been imprisoned on several occasions since September 2022 and has spent a total of over 700 days in prison. The most recent period lasted from January to 1 July this year. Burke was temporarily released in January to prepare an appeal case, but was sent back on allegations that he had breached the conditions.
High Court judge Brian Cregan justified the release with reference to “a material change in circumstances”, but nevertheless called Burke an “unwelcome intruder” who has lost his moral compass.
BREAKING: Enoch Burke speaks after release from prison today
Teacher Enoch Burke was released from prison this morning.
Judge Brian Cregan said he was releasing Enoch Burke from prison because the Disciplinary Appeal Panel (DAP) process, set up to hear Enoch Burke’s appeal of… pic.twitter.com/Klv86On3WD
— Enoch Burke (@EnochBurke) July 1, 2026
After his release Burke said that the case is far from over and that he plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. He claims that he has the right to be at the school and that his freedom of expression and religion has been violated.
The case has become a symbol of the Irish and also the European culture war. Supporters regard Burke as a prisoner of conscience. Critics believe he lacks respect for the law.
Martyrs for truth in contemporary Western Europe: Räsänen and Enoch Burke