Abortion row to labour court

2004-12-08 19:31

Johannesburg - A complaint of unfair dismissal lodged against the Gauteng health department by a nursing sister will be referred to the labour court in the new year, the Vereeniging equality court has ruled.

Wilhelmien Charles refused to perform emergency procedures on abortion patients at Kopanong Hospital where she worked in a theatre dealing with such cases.

She objected on the grounds of religious beliefs.

Charles then apparently resigned and claimed constructive dismissal on the grounds that she had been discriminated against.

The equality court said on Wednesday it did not have the jurisdiction to hear the case, and dismissed the complaint.

The case would be referred to the labour court on an urgent basis in January 2005, said Michelle O'Sullivan, director of the Women's Legal Centre.

- SAPA