A civil action is being taken by four siblings against NUI Galway, alleging they were discriminated against and victimised by college authorities because of their religious beliefs, something the college denies.

Among other matters, Enoch, Kezia and Ammi Burke spoke about events on campus in 2014 during a referendum on same-sex marriage.

The siblings had set up an information table and put up posters quoting scripture and advocating a ‘No’ vote. They said their posters were ripped down and they were subjected to sustained verbal and online abuse.

Enoch Burke said he was traumatised, humiliated and deeply fearful. He said the “invective, projectiles” and selfies taken by students continued for an hour-and-a-half.

The court was told that a ‘mob’ came and sat on the floor, blocked doors and humiliated the Burke siblings. They said college security was called for, but never came.

Kezia Burke broke down in court saying she was “tormented” by the events on campus and that it was not right for a 23-year-old college student to be subjected to such abuse and to be victimised, with her brothers and sister, for what she said was their right to express their strongly held religious beliefs and convictions.