Christian medical adviser challenges dismissal over homosexuality views
A Christian doctor struck off an adoption panel for her views on homosexuality is petitioning to have her case heard in the European Court of Justice . Dr Sheila Matthews, a paediatrician, was dismissed from Northamptonshire Council Adoption Panel, after she asked to abstain from voting on the placement of children with homosexual couples because it went against her professional and Christian beliefs that it is in the best interests of a child to be placed with a father and mother, rather than a homosexual couple. Although she was partially reinstated in her job following outcry over the council’s decision, she was no longer allowed to continue as a full member of the adoption panel, a move which prompted her to resign in March this year. Christian Concern , which is backing her case, said Dr Matthews had effectively been “excluded” from practising her vocation because of her Christian views and her professional judgement. She is going before an Employment Tribunal in Leicester