Storey confronted over EA transgender guidance document in car park of Hebron Church

HIGH profile opponents of the promotion of transgender issues in schools have challenged the Chairman of the Education Authority (EA), Ballymoney man Mervyn Storey in the car park of his own church, accusing him of promoting transgender ideology.

Hebron Free Presbyterian Church Elder and local Councillor Mr Storey, was confronted by campaigners Martina and Josiah Burke on Sunday as he arrived for church.

They followed him across the car park accusing him of promoting sodomy and LGBT transgender ideology.

The basis for their claim was a document entitled ‘Guidance for Schools on Supporting Transgender Young People' published by the EA.

Josiah's brother Enoch Burke has been repeatedly jailed for defying court orders to stay away from his former workplace, Wilson's Hospital School in County Westmeath.

He had been first suspended from the school in August 2022 after a confrontation with the principal over how he should address a transgender student.

Mr Storey did not respond to the claims, which were posted on a U-Tube Video, other than to say "thank you" and "can you move out of my way?" as he entered the church.

Then, inside the church buildings, Josiah and Martina Burke spoke to the camera, with Josiah talking about “the plague of hypocrisy and the plague of transgender ideology.”

He went on to accuse Mr Storey of “wickedness” for which he would “stand before God”.

Mr Storey was appointed Chairman of the EA in 2024.

It is a regional body with responsibility for the provision and delivery of education and youth services.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they are aware of the video and are conducting inquiries.