UK Nurse Punished For Calling Inmate The Wrong Pronouns
A Christian UK nurse has been suspended after she referred to a transgender patient who is also a convicted pedophile as “mister”. The incident has sparked debate over religious freedom, gender identity, and workplace rights.
Jennifer Melle, 40, was working a night shift at St Helier Hospital in South London on May 22, 2024. She addressed a male patient, known as Mr X, with male pronouns. The patient, a biological man who identifies as female, is currently serving a sentence in a high-security men’s prison for sexually abusing young boys.
According to the Christian Concern group, which is supporting Melle, the patient became aggressive after being addressed as “mister”. He reportedly hurled racist insults at Melle and attempted to lunge at her before guards stepped in.
Despite being the target of verbal and physical abuse, Melle was the one disciplined. The hospital launched an investigation and concluded that she had broken the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code by not respecting the patient’s chosen gender identity.
The report also said nurses must avoid expressing personal beliefs in a way that could be offensive. As a result, Melle received a final written warning and was reported to the NMC as a “potential risk”.
“I’m devastated,” Melle said in a statement. “I was the one threatened and racially abused, but I’m the one being punished. I’m being told to deny biological reality and my Christian faith just to keep my job.”
The case has gained national attention. Author J.K. Rowling publicly supported Melle, and UK Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch called the situation “completely crazy”, urging government action.
Melle later revealed that she had experienced further mistreatment since the incident. She claimed that hospital management tried to silence staff who showed support for her.
Some colleagues initially expressed sympathy but were later warned not to talk about her case.
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In a surprising move, Melle was later called into a sudden informal meeting. There, she was told she was being suspended on full pay. The reason? A possible data breach related to her speaking to the media. Melle said she was not told exactly what she had done wrong.
“I feel completely abandoned,” she said. “I wasn’t protected from abuse, and now I’m being isolated and pushed out.”
Christian Legal Centre CEO Andrea Williams called the hospital’s actions “unlawful victimisation”. She said Melle’s public statements should be protected under the UK’s Equality Act and the European Convention on Human Rights.
“The NHS should protect staff who speak out against abuse,” Williams said. “Instead, they’re punishing a woman for living by her Christian beliefs.”
Since the suspension, Melle’s name has been removed from the hospital’s shift system. This has made it difficult for her to get extra work and has hurt her finances.
She is now taking legal action against the NHS Trust. She is claiming harassment, discrimination, and a breach of her religious and human rights under Article 9 of the European Convention.
Melle’s case is one of several recent controversies involving NHS staff and gender identity. It raises fresh questions about how far workers must go to comply with diversity policies—and whether those policies can override freedom of belief.
Content Credit: Ajibola Emmanuel
Image Credit: christianconcern.com
