A christian midwife is suing hospital bosses for making her wear scrub trousers rather than a dress in the operating theatre, saying it is against her religious beliefs.

Devout Hannah Adewole claims wearing trousers is forbidden in the Bible, citing a command that women should not wear men's clothing.

The 45-year-old says she was banned from wearing scrub dresses in theatre but Muslim midwives are allowed to vary official uniform policy with their own hijabs and tops.

She told a tribunal: "A Muslim midwife would not have been treated in such a disrespectful manner."
Mrs Adewole is suing Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust for religious discrimination and harassment.

As a midwife at City University London, Mrs Adewole was ordered to wear scrub trousers to prevent infection. When she refused, she was moved from the labour ward to post-natal care.

Mrs Adewole, of Hackney, said: "Reading the Bible has always given me strength. I believe that the Bible is truth and that its words should be followed wholeheartedly."

She told the tribunal she considers wearing dresses rather than trousers "a mandatory requirement". Mrs Adewole started work as a £24,000-a-year midwife at Queen's in March 2008.

She alleges that she was assured at interview that her uniform demands would be met. The Trust's policy provided for "uniform suitable for Muslims" but had no equivalent rules for Christians, the tribunal heard.

The Trust, which has now given her two scrub dresses, claims that theatre uniform was never discussed at the interview. The tribunal continues.

davidylan:

Next jews will demand to wear the cap to the theatre. Thanks to islam . . .

rose~75:

I want to believe this woman keeps /obeys everything she reads from the bible.
Which of the bibles condemned trousers on women?. I thought it was - men not putting on women's clothing and vice versa, now, which man in the bible wore trousers?. In that case, if she wears gowns, she's equally committing sin 'cos all the bible representations showed men wearing gowns.

The bible is not interpreted like novels, I don't understand this "clothing" to mean skirt, blouse, trousers and so on. To me it means, women shouldn't take the place of men and vice versa, I may be wrong though, but understanding the bible requires more than mere ordinary knowledge of grammar.

So, the woman should think of better charges to press.