An Irish teacher has, in his words, been place behind bars because he “would not call a boy a girl.”

Enoch Burke, who teaches history, politics, and German at Wilson’s Hospital School was arrested Monday after he violated a court order prohibiting him from teaching classes or even being present on the school’s campus in Westmeath, the Irish news outlet RTE reported.

He is now in Mountjoy Prison, where he will stay until he purges his contempt or the court issues further orders. The initial ruling was handed down by High Court Judge Michael Quinn.

How Did This Start?

Burke’s ordeal began after he refused to call a student who was transitioning from male to identifying as female as “they” instead of “he.” The educator’s refusal prompted school officials to place him on paid administrative leave until a disciplinary process is completed.

“I love my school, with its motto, Res Non Verba, [which means] ‘Actions Not Words,'” the embattled teacher told the court. “But I am here today because I said I would not call a boy a girl.”