#UK #Scotland – A history teacher was dismissed from Arbroath High School on the same day she answered students’ questions about her personal beliefs on abortion, in an incident that has sparked debate over religious freedom and free speech in Scottish classrooms.
Sarah Morse, a 66-year-old devout Roman Catholic originally from the United States, was providing cover for an S3 class on November 19, 2025, when pupils asked her opinions on abortion, transgender issues, Donald Trump, and aspects of American life. According to Morse, she responded briefly and neutrally.
“I am a faithful Roman Catholic and I am against it,” she told the class regarding abortion. She added that it was “fine to disagree” and made no attempt to persuade students to adopt her position, she later claimed. When a pupil raised the scenario of a rape victim, Morse reportedly replied that the unborn child should not be punished, while acknowledging that others would disagree with her.
Hours later, school officials terminated her employment. Morse said she was informed the decision stemmed from her discussion of religion and abortion, and that the headteacher would not meet with her or allow her to give her account.
Morse, who had also taught in Dundee, described the dismissal as a blow to free speech and religious expression. She is now pursuing legal action against Angus Council, alleging discrimination on the grounds of her protected religious beliefs under the Equality Act. An employment tribunal is scheduled to begin on August 24, 2026.
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is supporting her case. Michael Robinson, SPUC’s executive director, called the dismissal “a grave matter,” arguing that a teacher should be able to respectfully answer a student’s direct question according to her conscience without facing immediate professional consequences.
Angus Council has declined to comment publicly, citing the ongoing tribunal proceedings.
The case has drawn attention from faith groups and free speech advocates, who view it as symptomatic of broader tensions in Scotland’s education system. Catholic teaching holds that abortion constitutes the taking of innocent human life, a position Morse said she stated factually as part of her faith identity. Critics of the school’s action argue that punishing a teacher for disclosing mainstream religious beliefs—especially when solicited by pupils—undermines pluralism.
Morse has maintained that she kept her responses short and non-confrontational throughout the class discussion. The outcome of the tribunal is expected to clarify the balance between teachers’ rights to hold and express religious beliefs and schools’ responsibilities regarding classroom content.
Image: Sarah Morse, 66, was employed at Arbroath High School in Angus, Scotland.
