I quite agree, flip_flop. Religion should be a private matter for individuals, perhaps with their families, and practiced either in the warmth and comfort of their own home, or at a recognised place of worship. There is no need for individuals to exhibit signs of their faith elsewhere as most people, even if they share them, do not have the slightest interest in their beliefs.
Religion has been the root of just about every major conflict mankind has ever known and is certainly the cause, if not of conflict, then certainly of much friction and strife in the UK. There are some followers of most religions who simply cannot entertain the idea that other people may have differing beliefs.
Unfortunately Human Rights legislation does not accord with my view. Article 9 provides for freedom to practice and manifest one�s religion, but such manifestations are restricted if safety would be compromised and this is where the nurse in theoldgit�s story fell foul.
I don�t understand why the nurse feels the need to wear a crucifix at work and I don�t understand her employer�s stance which, on the face of it seems highly dubious. It seems she has lost her job and they have lost a valuable employee in whom they have invested. theoldgit may well be right in suggesting that their action is a sop to followers of other religions whom they think may be offended. They, of course, say that it is not, but it would be interesting to know how many female employees of the trust wear headscarves (a far greater potential harbinger of germs) whilst on duty.