Burke family (Castlebar)

Sean Burke, a qualified electrician, and his wife, Martina ({{nee|Mayock}}),{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Explained: How the Burkes' 'extreme' religious influences have formed their worldview |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/explained-how-the-burkes-extreme-religious-influences-have-formed-their-worldview/42316863.html |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=www.independent.ie |language=en}} a qualified schoolteacher, together operate the Burke Christian School and an independent evangelical Christian church at Cloonsunna, near Castlebar in County Mayo.{{cite news |last=Laffey |first=James |date=11 May 2020 |title=Who is Jemima Burke, the Mayo journalist whose questioning of Dr Tony Holohan went viral... |url=https://westernpeople.ie/2020/05/10/who-is-jemima-burke-the-mayo-journalist-whose-questioning-of-dr-tony-holohan-went-viral/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031220100/https://www.westernpeople.ie/2020/05/10/who-is-jemima-burke-the-mayo-journalist-whose-questioning-of-dr-tony-holohan-went-viral/ |archive-date=31 October 2020|access-date=12 February 2023 |publisher=Western People}} Each of their ten children have Biblical names. The family is not known to associate with any evangelical group in the west of Ireland.{{cite web | last=Murray | first=Eavan | title=Explained: How the Burkes' 'extreme' religious influences have formed their worldview | website=Irish Independent | date=January 28, 2023 | url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/explained-how-the-burkes-extreme-religious-influences-have-formed-their-worldview/42316863.html | access-date=October 26, 2024}}

The Burke children were home-schooled; several hold postgraduate or professional degrees. Isaac has a PhD in mathematics; Enoch holds bachelor's degree in theological studies and history as well as a master's degree in education; Josiah holds an MSc in economic history. Ammi is a solicitor. Simeon won the Mayo School's Debating Competition alongside his brother Elijah,{{Cite web |date=24 November 2017 |title=Mayo schools debating competition a huge success |url=https://www.advertiser.ie/mayo/article/96995/mayo-schools-debating-competition-a-huge-success |access-date=31 August 2022 |website=Mayo Advertiser}} and represented the University of Galway at the 2020 final of the Irish Times Debate.{{Cite news |date=1 March 2020 |title=The Irish Times Debate 2020 final |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/the-irish-times-debate-2020-final-1.4189565 |access-date=31 August 2022}} Simeon was called to the bar but does not practise as a barrister: he is unable to find a qualified barrister to devil for.{{cite news |last1=Carolan |first1=Mary |title=Simeon Burke faces putting Irish Bar career on hold after being unable to find a 'master' |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2024/09/23/simeon-burke-faces-putting-irish-bar-career-on-hold-after-being-unable-to-find-a-master/ |access-date=13 October 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=23 September 2024 |location=Dublin, Ireland |language=en |quote=Simeon Burke studied law at the University of Galway, Cambridge University and the King's Inns.}}

The Burkes have collectively expressed anti-LGBTQ views, including in 2008 when members of the family protested outside of Dáil Éireann with placards quoting a translation of a verse from Leviticus 18 which states: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind. It is an abomination". Enoch Burke picketed outside St. James's Hospital about linkages between gays and HIV/AIDS. In 2014, members of the family attending NUIG distributed leaflets linking homosexuality to incest and pedophilia. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, they protested against the annual gay pride parade in Castlebar.{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Eavan |date=11 April 2022 |title='People don't mix with them… they are kind of afraid': A history of the Burke family's legal dramas |work=Irish Independent |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/people-dont-mix-with-them-they-are-kind-of-afraid-a-history-of-the-burke-familys-legal-dramas-41540093.html |access-date=31 August 2022}}

During the 2015 referendum on same-sex marriage, members of the family campaigned for a "no" vote, with Isaac and Enoch Burke becoming involved with the Mandate for Marriage campaign group.{{Cite web |last=O'Keefe |first=Alan |date=17 April 2015 |title='Paint over it' call in gay mural planning row |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/news/paint-over-it-call-in-gay-mural-planning-row-31151935.html |access-date=2 September 2022|website=Independent IE |language=en}}

About a month before the referendum took place, Martina and Enoch Burke appeared on Joe Duffy's show Liveline, arguing that a mural depicting two men embracing should be painted over due to a lack of planning permission.{{Cite web |last=Barry |first=Aoife |date=17 April 2015 |title=Calls for marriage equality mural to be removed to "give the No side justice" |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/joe-caslin-mural-mandate-for-marriage-2054764-Apr2015/ |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=TheJournal.ie |language=en}} The Burkes unsuccessfully tried to make the case that the mural was erected illegally and was explicitly political, as the artist, Joe Caslin, had confirmed on Twitter that he had hoped to convince people to vote in favour of legalising gay marriage.{{Cite web |last=Duffey |first=Joe |date=17 April 2015 |title=Liveline Friday 17 April 2015 |url=https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/liveline/programmes/2015/0417/694836-liveline-friday-17-april-2015/ |access-date=2 September 2022|website=RTE Radio |language=en}}

In 2023, an investigative report by the Irish Independent found that during the 2019 European Parliament election in Ireland, Enoch Burke spent several thousand euros to purchase attack ads on Facebook targeting LGBTQ politicians Katherine Zappone and Maria Walsh. The advertisements directed users to websites created by Enoch, with the website focusing on Katherine Zappone, accusing her of being associated with witchcraft and holding anti-Christian views.{{cite news |last=Sheahan |first=Fionnán |date=11 February 2023 |title=Gay rights politicians Katherine Zappone and Maria Walsh targeted in attack ads paid for by Enoch Burke |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/gay-rights-politicians-katherine-zappone-and-maria-walsh-targeted-in-attack-ads-paid-for-by-enoch-burke-42337520.html |work=The Irish Independent |location= |access-date=16 February 2023}}

In 2014, Isaac, Kezia, Ammi and Enoch were attending the NUI Galway.{{Cite news |last=Carolan |first=Mary |date=22 November 2021 |title=Four siblings lose challenge over ban from membership of NUIG societies |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/circuit-court/four-siblings-lose-challenge-over-ban-from-membership-of-nuig-societies-1.4735759 |access-date=31 August 2022}} That year, NUIG's student union held a referendum about boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against the state of Israel.{{Cite web |title=Referendum Rfc14/2 (Position on the Campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Against the State of Israel) |work=NUI Galway Students' Union |url=https://su.nuigalway.ie/referendum-rfc14-2-position-campaign-boycott-divestment-sanctions-state-israel/ |access-date=31 August 2022}} The Burkes, who held all four officer positions of the university's Christian Union Society, used society funds to print leaflets advocating for a "no" vote and then distributed them. On 10 November 2019, the university's "society co-ordination group" (USCG) banned the four siblings for life from participation in NUIG societies because: the leaflets had the university's logo, which was against the code of conduct as it was misrepresentation of endorsement; the siblings' brother Josiah (who was not a NUI Galway student) had been reimbursed €325 for costs to produce the fliers; Isaac had falsified the society's accounts to conceal the payment to Josiah.{{Cite news |last=Horgan-Jones |first=Jack |date=18 June 2019 |title=Siblings banned for life from NUIG societies refuse college's offer |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/siblings-banned-for-life-from-nuig-societies-refuse-college-s-offer-1.3928544 |access-date=31 August 2022}}

The siblings complained to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), where an adjudicating officer rejected their complaint. They then appealed to the Circuit Court on grounds of religious discrimination. At this point (2019), NUIG revoked their lifetime bans and offered not to seek costs if they would revoke their claim, which the Burkes refused to do. After the Burkes' insistence on the appointment of a different judge,{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Paul |date=19 June 2019 |title=Gardaí called to courthouse on opening day of case against NUIG |url=https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/gardai-called-to-courthouse-on-opening-day-of-case-against-nuig/ |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=Galway Daily |language=en}} Judge Raymond Groarke found that USCG's handling of the matter constituted an “extraordinary and inexcusable” lack of knowledge of fair or proper procedures; regardless, he rejected the Burkes' complaint that USCG's flawed handling of the case constituted discrimination on religious grounds.

On 12 November 2019, Ammi Burke was fired from her position as a solicitor with the Arthur Cox law firm. Following her dismissal, the Burke family picketed the firm's offices.{{Cite news |last=Mahon |first=Brian |date=5 December 2019 |title=Family protests against sacking of Christian solicitor |language=en |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/family-protests-against-sacking-of-christian-solicitor-39qlwlrhr |access-date=31 August 2022 |issn=0140-0460}} Ammi claimed she was unfairly dismissed due to her criticism of a partner in the firm who required her to work until 2 a.m. while her co-workers socialised.{{Cite news |last=O'Riordan |first=Ellen |date=20 October 2021 |title=WRC challenged over handling of complaint of unfair dismissal from Arthur Cox |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/wrc-challenged-over-handling-of-complaint-of-unfair-dismissal-from-arthur-cox-1.4705970 |access-date=31 August 2022}} Arthur Cox disputed this, citing a breakdown in relations between Burke and three of the six senior partners as the reason for her dismissal.{{Cite news |last=Bourke |first=Stephen |date=31 March 2022 |title=Sacked solicitor has 'victim mentality', Arthur Cox partner tells WRC |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/sacked-solicitor-has-victim-mentality-arthur-cox-partner-tells-wrc-1.4841546 |access-date=31 August 2022}}

Ammi made a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) but appealed to the High Court after the WRC adjudication officer recused herself from hearing the case.{{Cite news |last=O'Riordan |first=Ellen |date=11 November 2021 |title=Solicitor loses case over WRC handling of Arthur Cox unfair dismissal complaint |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/solicitor-loses-case-over-wrc-handling-of-arthur-cox-unfair-dismissal-complaint-1.4725909 |access-date=31 August 2022}} After the High Court determined there was no wrongdoing in the recusal, the case was reopened by the WRC. Ammi requested that the presiding adjudicator, Kevin Baneham, recuse himself, alleging that he was a Labour Party "comrade" of Arthur Cox's senior counsel.{{Cite news |last=Bourke |first=Stephen |date=25 March 2022 |title=Solicitor Ammi Burke demands adjudicator in unfair dismissal case recuse himself |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/solicitor-ammi-burke-demands-adjudicator-in-unfair-dismissal-case-recuse-himself-1.4836380 |access-date=31 August 2022}} During the hearing, both Ammi and Martina Burke repeatedly spoke over other persons present{{Cite news |last=Bourke |first=Stephen |date=27 May 2022 |title=WRC official in Ammi Burke case considered calling gardaí to remove her mother |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2022/05/27/wrc-official-in-ammi-burke-case-considered-calling-gardai-to-remove-her-mother/ |access-date=31 August 2022}} and were so disruptive that the hearing couldn't progress and the case was dismissed.{{Cite news |last=Bourke |first=Stephen |date=1 April 2022 |title=WRC throws out solicitor's unfair dismissal claim against Arthur Cox |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/wrc-throws-out-solicitor-s-unfair-dismissal-claim-against-arthur-cox-1.4842350 |access-date=31 August 2022}}

Ammi filed an appeal to the High Court, seeking to have the WRC's decision overruled.{{Cite news |date=25 July 2022 |title=Solicitor brings High Court action to overturn WRC decision |work=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/0725/1312186-court-solicitor/ |access-date=31 August 2022}} Four days into the appeal, which was held virtually, the judge, Marguerite Bolger, threatened to mute Ammi's microphone if she continued making interruptions.{{Cite web |last=Phelan |first=Shane |date=28 July 2022 |title=Judge threatens to have solicitor Ammi Burke's microphone turned off over interruptions in court |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/judge-threatens-to-have-solicitor-ammi-burkes-microphone-turned-off-over-interruptions-in-court-41874335.html |access-date=31 August 2022|website=Independent |language=en}} In May 2023, Ammi's appeal was dismissed due to her disruption of the court proceedings.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-41131669.html|title='The court is horrified' - High Court dismisses Ammi Burke's case due to her conduct|last=O'Loughlin|first=Ann|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=4 May 2023 |access-date=5 May 2023}}

In January 2020, Isaac Burke won an action he took against NUIG due to the university's delay in scheduling his thesis defence for completion of the Doctor of Philosophy degree in mathematics. Isaac submitted his thesis on 31 January 2017 but his supervisor failed to organise a viva with an external examiner. NUIG guidelines state that a viva should take place within two months of the submission of a thesis, but by July 2017, Isaac had still not been offered the opportunity to complete his examination. The court awarded Isaac €13,035 in damages.{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Eavan |date=16 January 2020 |title=PhD student awarded €13,035 damages against NUI Galway over final 'viva' exam delay |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/phd-student-awarded-13035-damages-against-nui-galway-over-final-viva-exam-delay-38868621.html |access-date=30 November 2022|website=independent |language=en}} Isaac completed his PhD in 2020.{{Cite thesis |last=Burke |first=Isaac Zebulun |title=Characterising bases of pure difference ideals |date=10 September 2020|degree=Thesis |publisher=NUI Galway |url=https://aran.library.nuigalway.ie/handle/10379/16183 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Isaac Burke {{!}} Maynooth University |url=https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/people/isaac-burke |access-date=30 November 2022|website=www.maynoothuniversity.ie}}

In April 2020, Sally Maaz, a 17-year-old girl from Mayo with an underlying heart defect, died with COVID-19. Jemima Burke, claiming to represent a defunct newspaper, aggressively questioned chief medical officer Tony Holohan in May 2020.{{Cite web |last=Clifford |first=Mick |date=6 September 2022|title=Mick Clifford: The world tires of keeping up with the Burkes |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40955927.html |access-date=30 November 2022|website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}

An inquest was scheduled to determine Maaz's cause of death. Jemima protested because only 14 people were permitted due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, despite the right of public access to courts,{{Cite news |last=Shiel |first=Tom |date=19 October 2020 |title=Inquest into death of girl (17) in Mayo Covid ward stopped over rule breach |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/coroner-s-court/inquest-into-death-of-girl-17-in-mayo-covid-ward-stopped-over-rule-breach-1.4385492 |access-date=30 November 2022|newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}} and the preliminary hearing was adjourned to a later date. During the rescheduled inquest in February 2022, Jemima, Josiah and Martina were forcibly removed from the court by Gardaí after "causing huge distress to the bereaved family while making unfounded claims about the girl’s hospital care".{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Eavan |date=24 February 2022 |title=Mayo teen died with Covid-19 after initially testing negative for the virus, an inquest has heard |url=https://www.independent.ie/news/teen-girl-died-with-covid-19-after-initially-testing-negative-for-the-virus-an-inquest-has-heard-41382522.html |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=independent |language=en}}

As a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland in May 2020, instead of sitting the Leaving Certificate, students could substitute predicted grades as assigned by their teachers.{{Cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Carl |date=7 May 2020 |title=Leaving Cert to be cancelled: But will 'Plan B' be fair to students? |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/leaving-cert-to-be-cancelled-but-will-plan-b-be-fair-to-students-1.4247907 |access-date=31 August 2022}} Students who were homeschooled or tutored by their parents or a close relative were excluded from the scheme; this was applicable to Elijah Burke.{{Cite web |last1=Donnelly |first1=Katherine |last2=O'Faolain |first2=Aodhan |last3=Managh |first3=Ray |date=20 August 2020 |title=Home-schooled teen wins case over calculated grades |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/home-schooled-teen-wins-case-over-calculated-grades-39464107.html |access-date=31 August 2022|website=independent |language=en}} Elijah made an appeal and in August 2020 the High Court ruled in his favour, determining that he, and other students in his position, had been unfairly excluded. Judge Charles Meenan advised that an independent teacher be involved in determining Elijah's predicted grades and described his initial exclusion from the scheme as "irrational, unreasonable and unlawful”.{{Cite news |last1=O'Faolain |first1=Aodhan |last2=Managh |first2=Ray |date=28 August 2020 |title=Plan agreed for home-schooled student to get calculated Leaving Cert grades |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/high-court/plan-agreed-for-home-schooled-student-to-get-calculated-leaving-cert-grades-1.4340994 |access-date=31 August 2022}}

In September 2020, NUIG instituted a mandatory pledge about COVID-19 status and certain COVID-19 response behaviors that all incoming and returning students had to sign as a condition of registration with the university.{{Cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Stephen |date=30 August 2020 |title=Covid-19 pledge breaches our right to privacy, says student at NUI Galway |language=en |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/covid-19-pledge-breaches-our-right-to-privacy-says-student-at-nui-galway-x0q6rfgkv |access-date=8 September 2022|issn=0140-0460}} Simeon Burke led student protests against the pledge as a breach of the right to privacy, resulting in NUIG agreeing to make the pledge voluntary instead of mandatory.{{Cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Carl |date=13 September 2020 |title=NUI Galway drops 'behave responsibly' pledge requirement |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/nui-galway-drops-behave-responsibly-pledge-requirement-1.4353962 |access-date=8 September 2022}}

In 2021, Simeon contested the election for the role of president of the NUIG's Students Union, having previously run for the role of Welfare and Equality Officer in 2020. Burke lost overwhelmingly in vote count against rival Róisín Nic Lochlainn in both races.{{cite web |url=https://su.nuigalway.ie/full-time-election-levy-referendum-results-2021/|title=Full Time Election + Levy Referendum Results 2021 |publisher=NUI Students Union|date=22 April 2021|access-date=19 February 2023}} On 22 February 2021, at a Students Union council meeting, Burke repeatedly interrupted, resulting in his microphone being muted by the chairperson. In protest, he held up a handwritten sign reading "Student Sworn At No Apology."{{Cite web |last=SIN Staff |date=9 March 2021 |title=University warns students over online conduct |url=https://sin.ie/2021/03/09/university-warns-students-over-online-conduct/ |access-date=8 September 2022|website=Student Independent News |language=en}} Altered versions of a photo of the sign appeared on social media, ridiculing Simeon, and the dean of students asked that students refrain from further posting online about it. One student continued to use Twitter to post memes with an associated hashtag one of which was retweeted by TD politician Paul Murphy. Burke said that the aftermath, including the hashtag was sustained online abuse and intimidation, and complained to the clerk of the Dáil. An Oireachtas committee refused to investigate the matter.{{Cite news |last=Carolan |first=Mary |date=30 May 2022 |title=Student criticises 'shameful' decision not to investigate TD over tweet |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2022/05/29/student-criticises-shameful-decision-not-to-investigate-td-over-tweet/ |access-date=8 September 2022}}

{{anchor|Pronoun dispute}}

In June 2022, Enoch Burke was suspended from Wilson's Hospital School, a Church of Ireland co-educational boarding school in County Westmeath, where he had been employed as a teacher.

The issue arose when the parents of a transgender student who wanted to transition requested that they/them pronouns be used for the student, along with their new name, which was affirmed by the school. At a church service attended by staff, clergy, pupils, parents and board members, Burke interrupted by voicing his objections to addressing the student as "they" and to the school acknowledging the student's transition, as well as transgender identity more broadly. Later that day, Burke sought out and questioned the school's principal about Wilson's Hospital School's official stance regarding student transition. She told him that she would speak with him at a later date and walked away. Burke pursued her so vehemently that others present had to intervene so she could leave. As a result of this behaviour, Burke was suspended, pending a disciplinary review.{{Cite news |last=O'Faolain |first=Aodhan |date=30 August 2022 |title=Court injunction against teacher Enoch Burke attending school after he opposed addressing student with pronoun 'they' |language=en |work=Independent |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/court-injunction-against-teacher-enoch-burke-attending-school-after-he-opposed-addressing-student-with-pronoun-they-41947855.html |access-date=31 August 2022}} Following his suspension, Burke continued to enter the school grounds. On 30 August 2022, the school requested and was granted a High Court interim injunction preventing him from either being on school premises or teaching classes there for the duration of his suspension.

On 1 September 2022, Burke allegedly breached the injunction and a further court order was sought by the school, which could result in Burke being jailed for contempt of court unless he agreed to abide by the terms of the interim injunction.{{Cite news |date=1 September 2022 |title=School seeks court order that could see suspended teacher Enoch Burke jailed |publisher=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2022/09/01/school-seeks-court-order-that-could-see-suspended-teacher-enoch-burke-jailed/ |access-date=1 September 2022}} Burke failed to appear at the High Court as required, on {{nowrap|2 September 2022}}, and judge Miriam O'Regan granted an order for his arrest due to contempt of court.{{Cite news |last=O'Faolain |first=Aodhan |date=2 September 2022 |title=Court orders arrest of Enoch Burke for alleged contempt |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2022/09/02/court-orders-arrest-of-enoch-burke-for-alleged-contempt/ |access-date=2 September 2022}} On 5 September 2022, Burke was arrested after arriving at the school premises in spite of the injunction. He was remanded to Mountjoy Prison for contempt of court.{{Cite web |last1=Phelan |first1=Shane |last2=O'Faolain |first2=Aodhan |date=5 September 2022 |title=School teacher Enoch Burke says he will contest contempt of court application |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/school-teacher-enoch-burke-says-he-will-contest-contempt-of-court-application-41960828.html |access-date=5 September 2022|website=independent |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=O'Donnell |first=Orla |date=5 September 2022 |title=Teacher committed to Mountjoy prison for contempt of court |work=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/0905/1320639-enoch-burke/ |access-date=6 September 2022}} During an enforced appearance before the High Court on 7 September 2022, Burke declined to purge his contempt; Judge Max Barrett remanded him to custody at Mountjoy Prison for a further week and awarded costs against him.{{Cite news |last=O'Donnell |first=Orla |date=7 September 2022 |title=Enoch Burke to remain in Mountjoy for at least another week |publisher=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/0907/1321089-enoch-burke-court/ |access-date=7 September 2022}} Burke said that he would rather stay in prison "every hour of every day for the next 100 years" than comply. He also said that being transgender contradicts scripture and that he would "only obey God" and "not obey man".{{Cite news |last1=Crisp |first1=James |last2=O'Faolain |first2=Aodhan |date=7 September 2022|title=I'd rather stay in prison for a century than play by these transgender rules, says jailed teacher |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/09/07/rather-stay-prison-century-believe-transgenderism-teacher-says/ |access-date=9 September 2022|issn=0307-1235}}

On 4 October 2022, Burke filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal against the injunction. He asked for two orders: one preventing the school from continuing his paid administrative leave and the disciplinary process against him and a second preventing the school from dismissing him from his position.{{Cite news |last=O'Loughlin |first=Ann |date=4 October 2022 |title=Jailed teacher Enoch Burke appeals injunction preventing him attending school |publisher=Irish Examiner |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40975748.html |access-date=5 October 2022}} On {{nowrap|9 October}} 2022, the Irish Independent reported that Burke had been moved to a new jail cell for his own safety, after repeatedly expressing his outspoken views to other prisoners.{{Cite news |last=Bracken |first=Ali |date=9 October 2022 |title=Enoch Burke moved to new jail cell for his own safety as he is 'annoying other prisoners' |work=Irish Independent |location=Ireland |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/enoch-burke-moved-to-new-jail-cell-for-his-own-safety-as-he-is-annoying-other-prisoners-42051442.html |url-status=dead |access-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009204346/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/enoch-burke-moved-to-new-jail-cell-for-his-own-safety-as-he-is-annoying-other-prisoners-42051442.html |archive-date=9 October 2022}} The Irish Times subsequently reported that Burke alleged that he had been defamed in the Irish Independent article and was seeking an order banning its republication.{{Cite news |last=O'Faolain |first=Aodhan |date=13 October 2022 |title=Enoch Burke claims he was defamed in newspaper article |publisher=Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2022/10/13/enoch-burke-claims-he-was-defamed-in-newspaper-article/ |access-date=29 November 2022}} On 14 October 2022, Martina Burke was removed from the courtroom after accusing the judge of corruption, while Ammi Burke refused to apologise to the court for continuing to interrupt proceedings.{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Eoin |date=14 October 2022 |title=Enoch Burke's mother removed from court after 'corrupt judges' remark |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40983602.html |access-date=30 November 2022|website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}

On 13 December 2022, Enoch Burke requested Justice Conor Dignam to release him from custody, telling the court that he was "not a thief, a murderer or a drug dealer" and was behind bars because of his religious objections to "transgenderism". The judge refused, as Burke would not purge his contempt or stay away from Wilson's Hospital School until the conclusion of the disciplinary process.{{Cite news |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2022/1213/1341583-enoch-burke/ | title=Enoch Burke to remain in jail for Christmas |work=RTÉ |date=13 December 2022|access-date=13 December 2022}}

On 21 December 2022, while the school was closed for Christmas holidays, Burke was released from prison following a ruling by Judge Brian O'Moore: he was informed that he would remain at liberty unless he breached the injunction preventing his attendance at school while suspended. Judge O'Moore said "it was difficult to avoid the conclusion that Mr Burke was exploiting his imprisonment for his own ends" and cited the cost to the public and the desire to "not enable somebody found to be in contempt of court to garner some advantage from that defiance" as reasons to release Burke from imprisonment.{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-41033402.html|title=Judge rules Enoch Burke be released from prison on 'open-ended' basis|last=O'Loughlin|first=Ann|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=21 December 2022|access-date=21 December 2022}} On 5 and 6 January 2023, Burke reappeared at the school; although the Gardaí were aware of the situation, they stated: "[because] these matters refer to a civil order, An Garda Síochána has no role at this time."{{Cite news |title=Enoch Burke appears at Westmeath school for a second day despite High Court order |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/enoch-burke-appears-westmeath-school-second-day-5962311-Jan2023/ |last1=Pepper |first1=Diarmuid |date=6 January 2023|access-date=6 January 2023|work=TheJournal.ie |last2=O Faolain |first2=Aodhan}}

The full disciplinary hearing into Burke's behaviour took place on 19 January 2023 at the Mullingar Park Hotel, with Gardaí being called as the meeting was disrupted by the Burke family. Burke was formally dismissed from his teaching role on 20 January 2023.{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/enoch-burke-dismissed-from-post-at-wilsons-hospital-school-42303547.html |title=Enoch Burke dismissed from post at Wilson's Hospital School|last=Phelan|first=Shane|publisher=Irish Independent|date=20 January 2023|access-date=20 January 2023}} Despite the termination of his employment, Burke entered the school premises twice on 24 January 2023 and was arrested under the Public Order Act and for trespass.{{Cite news |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2023/0124/1350483-enoch-burke/|title=Burke attends school despite dismissal from post |last=Hussey|first=Sinéad|publisher=RTÉ |date=24 January 2023|access-date=24 January 2023}} It was now a criminal matter and a file was subsequently sent by the Gardaí to the Director of Public Prosecutions.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/enoch-burke-latest-gardai-complete-criminal-investigation-into-the-alleged-trespass-at-school-42338354.html|title=Enoch Burke latest: Gardaí complete criminal investigation into the alleged trespass at school |last=Bracken |first=Ali |publisher=Irish Independent|date=12 February 2023|access-date=12 February 2023}}

On 26 January 2023, Judge O'Moore imposed a fine of €700 per day, effective from 2 pm on 27 January 2023 onward, if Burke did not purge the contempt of court.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0126/1351944-enoch-burke-court/|title=Burke to be fined €700 a day if he does not purge contempt|last=O'Donnell|first=Orla|publisher=RTÉ|work=RTÉ News|date=26 January 2023|access-date=26 January 2023}} Burke had appeared at the school on January 24, 25 and 26.{{Cite news |last=O'Keeffe |first=Chloe |date=7 February 2023 |title=Enoch Burke turns up at Wilson's School yet again with fines now at €8,400 |work=Extra.ie |url=https://extra.ie/2023/02/07/news/irish-news/enoch-burke-eightk-fine}} On 10 February 2023, Enoch Burke and his sister Ammi made an unscheduled appearance at the High Court, causing an adjournment when they made abusive comments to the presiding judge.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/enoch-burke-and-sister-ammi-accused-by-judge-of-abusive-comments-after-stand-off-disrupted-high-court-sitting-for-two-hours-42336395.html|title=Enoch Burke and sister Ammi accused by judge of 'abusive comments' after stand-off disrupted High Court sitting for two hours|last=Phelan|first=Shane|publisher=Irish Independent|date=10 February 2023|access-date=11 February 2023}}{{Cite web|last=O'Donnell |first=Orla |date=13 February 2023 |title=Burke warned contempt may mean appeal not entertained |website=RTÉ.ie |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2023/0213/1356354-enoch-burke/ |language=en}}

On 19 February 2023, Fred Phelps Jr, pastor of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church in America, said that though he supported Burke's position, he felt he had "gone too far".{{Cite news |last=Bracken |first=Ali |date=19 February 2023 |title='Enoch Burke has gone too far,' says controversial pastor Fred Phelps Jr of Westboro Baptist Church |work=Independent.ie |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/enoch-burke-has-gone-too-far-says-controversial-pastor-fred-phelps-jr-of-westboro-baptist-church-42348679.html |access-date=8 March 2023}}

On 7 March 2023, the Court of Appeal ruled against Enoch Burke. Family members Ammi, Simeon, Isaac, Sean, Martina and Enoch were ejected from the court by Gardaí due to their disruption when the judge attempted to read the judgment.{{cite web |title=Arrest made as Burke family members removed from court | website=RTE.ie | date=7 March 2023| url=https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2023/0307/1360781-enoch-burke/ | access-date=7 March 2023}} Simeon was remanded in custody for breach of the peace.{{cite news |last1=Tuite |first1=Tom |title=Simeon Burke charged with breach of peace in connection with incident in Court of Appeal |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/03/07/simeon-burke-charged-with-breach-of-peace-in-connection-with-incident-in-court-of-appeal/ |access-date=7 March 2023 |publisher=Irish Times |date=7 March 2023}} He refused to take up bail (which was unopposed) and, as a result, was unable to sit his King's Inns law exams.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/03/14/simeon-burke-to-remain-in-prison-a-week-after-being-charged-over-court-of-appeal-outbursts/|title=Simeon Burke to remain in prison, a week after being charged over Court of Appeal outbursts|last=Tuite|first=Tom|publisher=Irish Times|date=14 March 2023|access-date=14 March 2023}} On 17 April 2023, Simeon Burke was convicted of causing a breach of the peace at the Court of Appeal on 7 March 2023 and was fined €300 for the incident.{{cite news|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/simeon-burke-court-6046561-Apr2023/|title=Simeon Burke spared jail and fined €300 over Court of Appeal melee|last=Tuite|first=Tom|publisher=The Journal|date=17 April 2023|access-date=18 April 2023}}

On 28 August 2023, Enoch Burke returned to Wilson's Hospital School on the first day of the 2023/2024 school year, taking up a position in a school corridor to continue his protest. At that time, he was liable for €140,000 in fines for breach of court orders.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41214202.html|title=Enoch Burke returns to Wilson's Hospital School on first day of new term|last= |first= |publisher=Irish Examiner|date=28 August 2023|access-date=28 August 2023}} He was remanded in custody in September 2023, for failure to comply with court orders to stay away from the school. On 12 December 2023, a court sitting heard that Burke was refusing to purge his contempt or to confirm that he would obey the court order; Judge Mark Sanfey ruled that he should remain in prison.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/1212/1421558-enoch-burke/|title=Burke to remain in prison after refusing to comply with High Court order|publisher=RTÉ News|date=12 December 2023|access-date=13 December 2023}}

In June 2024 Enoch Burke lost his defamation action against the Irish Independent. The judge said that the seven paragraphs Enoch Burke had complained about were untrue, which was "unfortunate", but that they did not damage his reputation. He also added that if the article had been defamatory the public interest defence would not have been available to the defendants.{{Cite news |title=Enoch Burke loses defamation action taken over newspaper article |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2024/0613/1454529-enoch-burke/ |last=Traynor |first=Vivienne |date=13 June 2024|access-date=13 June 2024|publisher=RTÉ News}}

Burke was released from jail in late June 2024, at the start of school summer holidays, but he did not agree to obey the court order. In late August 2024 he was seen on the school grounds and once in a building on the premises. As a result, Burke was jailed for a third time in early September.{{cite news |last1=O'Donnell |first1=Orla |title=Enoch Burke jailed for third time for breaking court order |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2024/0902/1467958-enoch-burke/ |access-date=2 September 2024 |agency=RTE}}

On 11 October 2024, Justice David Nolan asked Burke if he would now abide by the injunction to stay away from the school. At this point, Burke had been imprisoned (intermittently) for about 400 days.{{cite news |last1=O’Loughlin |first1=Ann |title=Enoch Burke sent back to jail after refusing 10 times to say if he would stay away from school |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-41493797.html |access-date=13 October 2024 |work=Irish Examiner |date=11 October 2024 |location=Dublin, Ireland |language=en}} Burke didn't respond directly to the judge. Nolan said, "I have now asked you on 10 occasions will you abide by the court order and it is clear to me you have no intention of abiding by the order. In those circumstances, with great reluctance, I have to send you back to jail." Nolan put the matter up for review again on 20 December 2024.

On 25 March 2025, the High Court ordered Bank of Ireland to transfer €40,000 from Enoch Burke's bank account into a Courts Service account within seven days, as a part-payment of almost €80,000 in fines owed by Burke.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0325/1503953-enoch-burke-court|title=Bank ordered to pay €40,000 from Burke's account to court|last=O'Donnell|first=Orla|publisher=RTÉ News|date=25 March 2025|access-date=9 April 2025}}

On 8 April 2025, a judge in the High Court commented that Enoch Burke had been conducting himself like an "unruly schoolboy" and made him liable for costs in the action taken over the unpaid fines. During the court sitting, Burke's mother and sister Ammi were removed by gardaí.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2025/0408/1506475-enoch-burke-court/|title=Judge says Enoch Burke behaving like "unruly schoolboy"|last=Connor|first=Dyane|publisher=RTÉ News|date=8 April 2025|access-date=9 April 2025}}

In March 2025, several members of the Burke family travelled to Washington, DC, where, on 12 March, they held a protest outside the White House during a meeting between the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, and US President, Donald Trump. On 13 March, they staged a protest at a gala fundraising dinner for The Ireland Funds, interrupting a presentation to Dan Quinn, head coach of the Washington Commanders American football team. Martina, Ammi and Isaac Burke, who managed to gain entrance to the building where the fundraiser was taking place, were ejected from the venue. While addressing members of the press present, they walked away upon discovering that they all worked for Irish media outlets.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0314/1502020-burke-us/|title=Burke family protest in US 'regrettable', says Taoiseach|last=Whelan|first=Seán|publisher=RTÉ News|date=14 March 2025|access-date=14 March 2025}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.bcs.ie/ Burke Christian School] - school operated by Sean and Martina Burke.
• [https://burkebroadcast.com Burke Broadcast]— A website set up and run by Isaac Burke, documenting the challenge brought to the University of Galway by himself, Kezia, Ammi and Enoch.
• [https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/liveline/programmes/2015/0417/694836-liveline-friday-17-april-2015/ 2015 Liveline debate] about a mural depicting two men in an embrace in advance of the 2015 same-sex marriage referendum in Ireland, featuring Martina and Enoch Burke.
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZpfj8ebb40|title=Respect also Christian Belief at Castlebar 'Pride Parade'|date=20 July 2019|type=video}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Burke}}

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