Enoch Burke Defies Court Orders During School Protest

Enoch Burke, a teacher embroiled in a legal battle over his refusal to address a transgender student by their preferred pronouns, has once again appeared outside Wilson’s Hospital School in Westmeath. His presence at the school comes as Gardaí are actively seeking to arrest him for contempt of court, following a series of court orders that he has defied.

In a recent video message filmed outside the school, Burke expressed his defiance towards the legal system and criticized religious leaders for their silence on transgender issues. He called on both Church of Ireland and Catholic officials to take a stand against what he refers to as “transgender ideology.” Burke specifically condemned the display of transgender and pride flags in Catholic educational institutions.

Background of the Legal Dispute

Burke’s current predicament stems from an incident involving alleged verbally aggressive behavior directed at a school official who requested he modify his language regarding a transgender student. Following this exchange, Burke was suspended with pay and subsequently dismissed from his position after repeatedly ignoring High Court orders to refrain from returning to the school premises.

His latest confrontation at the school gates, which occurred on November 21, 2025, is particularly significant as it puts additional pressure on Gardaí to apprehend him. Burke has evaded arrest since November 21, despite Gardaí making multiple attempts to locate him at his residence in Co. Mayo.

During a court session on November 21, Judge Brian Cregan ruled that Burke breached a court order, which led to the issuance of an arrest warrant. Burke has previously been jailed three times for similar defiance and predicted in his video that he would be “taken away in a prison van” for a fourth time.

Legal and Social Implications

The situation has also drawn attention to broader societal issues regarding the treatment of transgender individuals in educational settings. Burke has positioned himself as a vocal opponent of policies that support transgender rights, which he argues contravene his personal beliefs and constitutional rights. His actions have sparked discussions about the balance between individual rights and institutional policies within schools.

Burke’s family has also been drawn into the legal proceedings, with Judge Cregan directing that charges of criminal contempt be brought against not only Burke but also against his mother, Martina, and his siblings, Isaac and Ammi, in the coming week. The Attorney General is expected to initiate these proceedings, further complicating the family’s legal challenges.

As the situation evolves, the actions of both Burke and the legal authorities will likely continue to attract public attention, highlighting the ongoing debates around educational policies and individual rights in contemporary society.