Stonewall legal team ‘bullying and laughing at’ barrister

ALLISON BAILEY has accused Stonewall’s barrister of “bullying” and “laughing” at her during a heated row at her employment tribunal.

Ms Bailey, 52, a barrister, is suing the LGBT rights charity as well as her chambers, Garden Court Chambers, over claims that she lost work and income after a row over Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme.

Ms Bailey has accused the charity of operating like a “criminal protection racket” by inducing companies to adopt its policies.

During cross-examination yesterday at the hearing, held remotely by the Central London Employment Tribunal, Ms Bailey accused Ijeoma Omambala QC, Stonewall’s barrister, of making fun of her with junior counsel.

Both barristers fought to be heard over the videolink after Ms Bailey said she believed Stonewall was “seeking to embed gender identity and gender identity theory within organisations” via its Diversity Champions scheme.

Ms Omambala asked if she was referring to policy documents that state: “Collecting employer gender identity data is a sensitive issue and will not be welcomed.” In response, Ms Bailey said: “I’m not going to be bullied by you.”

Ms Bailey also claims Stonewall collaborated with her chambers, a fee-paying member of Diversity Champions, to place her under investigation.

Later in the hearing, Ms Bailey said to Ms Omambala: “Are you turning to Miss White [junior counsel] and laughing? Because that is not very respectful?”

Ms Omambala replied: “If you could allow me to speak to my junior... I would be grateful.”

Employment Judge Sarah Goodman asked Ms Bailey if she would prefer to see all of Stonewall’s legal team.

Ms Bailey replied: “Now that I know that she [Ms Omambala] is going to turn ... off camera, I will accept that.”

The tribunal continues.