A senior NHS occupational therapist, who was disciplined for giving a Christian book to a Muslim colleague, lost her appeal on 7 April against an Employment Tribunal ruling.
Judge Eady QC upheld the Tribunal’s decision, that the NHS had acted reasonably in disciplining Victoria Wasteney for inviting her colleague to church-related events, praying with her (with consent) and giving her a Christian book.
Miss Wasteney said in reaction: ‘What the court clearly failed to do was to say how, in today’s politically-correct world, any Christian can even enter into a conversation with a fellow employee on the subject of religion and not, potentially, later end up in an Employment Tribunal.’
Christian service closed down
She added: ‘I believe the NHS singled me out for discipline because Christianity is so disrespected. Previously a Christian worship service that I set up for patients was closed down, but accommodation for Muslims to practise their faith was wholly facilitated and encouraged.’
Miss Wasteney was backed by the Christian Legal Centre. Its chief executive Andrea Williams said: ‘The NHS and our education system were started by Christians – motivated by their faith. Our legal system was founded on Christian values and yet we now see that it is one of the most liberal and anti-Christian legal systems in the Western world.
She continued: ‘We need a radical review of the balance of rights in this country which is currently skewed to favour religions and ideologies other than Christianity.’
