A Clash of Rights | Reopening the Appeal in Omooba v Michael Garrett Associates Ltd

**When fundamental rights collide in the workplace, how do courts decide who wins?** In this episode of The BDBF Podcast, Partner **Clare Brereton** and Senior Associate **Leigh Janes** examine the high-profile case of ***Omooba v Michael Garrett Associates Ltd***. The dispute – an actress dismissed after a social media backlash over a historic post expressing her religious belief that homosexuality is a sin – puts two protected characteristics in direct conflict. But Clare and Leigh’s focus goes beyond the headlines. They dive into the high-stakes procedural battle that followed: Miss Omooba’s attempt to reopen the Court of Appeal's refusal of permission to appeal by invoking the landmark decision in ***Higgs v Farmor's School***. Listeners will gain insights into: - The "clash of rights" framework and how courts approach competing protected characteristics - The "reason why" test in direct discrimination claims - The exceptionally high threshold for reopening final appeal decisions - The practical implications for employers managing similar conflicts in the workplace When religion and belief collide, the legal path is rarely straightforward. This is how to navigate the fallout. **Contact BDBF** We’d love to hear from you, particularly with feedback on the Podcast and requests for topics to cover in future episodes.  Drop us a line [podcast@bdbf.co.uk](mailto:podcast@bdbf.co.uk) **Find out more:** Website: www.bdbf.co.uk/ Email: [info@bdbf.co.uk](mailto:info@bdbf.co.uk) Phone: +44(0)20 3828 0350 **Connect with us:** LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/brahams-dutt-badrick-french-llp/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BDBFLLP/ **Sign up to our newsletter:** www.bdbf.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ **Guest Info** **Clare Brereton** linkedin.com/in/clare-brereton-nee-taylor-36291046/ Clare Brereton is a partner at BDBF who specialises in high stakes disputes and strategic workplace advice for senior executives and employers on complex workplace disputes, including those involving partnerships and LLPs. **Leigh Janes** linkedin.com/in/leigh-janes-nee-leach-7b472890/ Leigh is ranked by the 2026 edition of Chambers and Partners as an “Associate to Watch” and advises employers and employees on all aspects of employment law across a wide range of industries and sectors including financial services, recruitment, and hospitality.