08/04/2010 - Christian nurse loses crucifix case
A Christian nurse has lost her case at an employment tribunal after claiming that removing her crucifix at work would "violate her faith".
Shirley Chaplin, 54, was moved to a desk job by the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust when she refused to remove the cross.
The trust said necklaces raise health and safety concerns as patients could grab them. They denied the decision was specifically about the crucifix.
Mrs Chaplin said she had worked as a nurse for 30 years and had worn the crucifix throughout her career.
The employment tribunal panel chairman John Hollow found against her.
Mr Hollow ruled the trust had acted in a "reasonable" manner in trying to reach a compromise.
He said the damage to her was "slight" and noted that wearing a crucifix was not a requirement of the Christian faith.
In a 71-point statement, Mrs Chaplin, who wore the crucifix to the hearing in her home city of Exeter, said she was "personally convicted" to wear the emblem, given to her as a confirmation gift in 1971.
She said: "I have been a nurse for roughly 30 years and throughout that time I have worn my crucifix.
"The crucifix is an exceptionally important expression of my faith and my belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
"To deliberately remove or hide my crucifix or to treat it disrespectfully would violate my faith."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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