54 year old Devonshire nurse, Shirley Chaplin, has been banned from working on hospital wards by Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust after she continued wearing a Crucifix necklace after warnings. She is now suing her employers as she feels she has been discriminated against while Muslim workers were not questioned over any outward symbols of their religion.

Chaplin has been a nurse since 1978 and said, "Muslims are treated preferably to Christians who are treated less favourably." She maintained that she had "no particular dislike" of Muslims but was irritated by their special treatment and did not understand the hypocritical rules which observe their commitment to their faith is just accepted as the way they are.

Mrs Chaplin received the crucifix as a Confirmation gift has worn it ever since, "I believe it is discrimination," Mrs Chaplin claimed. She was questioned by a three person tribunal who suggested other appropriate ways of wearing the symbol such as clip on earrings or a badge on her uniform. She argued that the cross and chain were a traditional way of wearing the crucifix and a crucifix alone on a lapel would not suffice.

The nurse is backed by six major Christian figures including former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey. They claim Mrs Chaplin's case highlights the matter that Christians are being victimized in Britain. They argued that the NHS would rather use scarce resources in fighting a legal battle than keep a skilled nurse with 30 years of experience. They added, "This dedicated nurse has worn the cross every day since confirmation as a sign of her Christian faith, a faith which led to her vocation in nursing."

A spokesperson for Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust commented "The Trust made its position clear at the beginning of the tribunal and it would be inappropriate to make a running commentary on some of the key issues before we have articulated our case at the hearing.