NHS awards 10k in compensation to chaplain ‘ousted’ for sharing his views on gay marriage

Apr 1, 2023 by Jill

from Premier:

The South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust has settled a discrimination case with a catholic chaplain who claims was made redundant because of his views on same-sex marriage.

In 2019, Rev Dr Patrick Pullicino was assigned to see a male patient who had specifically requested to see a Catholic priest. During the meeting, the patient asked the chaplain’s views on marrying his partner.

Unhappy with Rev Dr Pullicino’s answer, the patient complained to the Trust and subsequently, an investigation was launched into Rev Pullicino’s conduct.

In a response letter to the complaint, the acting executive director of the Trust apologised and said the policy on Equality and Diversity of the Trust holds greater importance than religious beliefs.

A few months later, Rev Dr Pullicino was dismissed because of “budgetary constraints”.

Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, Rev Pullicino accused the Trust of harassment and victimisation. A trial had been scheduled for July but the Trust has now settled the case, awarding him with £10,000 in compensation for “perceived injury to feelings”.

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