Melle encountered the patient, known as "Mr X," during a shift on May 22, 2024. The offender, serving time in a high-security male prison, had been convicted of luring boys into sexual acts while pretending to be a teenage girl online. Upon reviewing medical records, Melle saw that Mr X was officially listed as male but had a typically female name on the ward’s board. When referring to the patient as "Mr X" in a conversation with a doctor, she was met with a furious outburst.
“Do not call me Mr! I am a woman!” Mr X shouted, according to Christian Concern.
Melle responded, “I am sorry I cannot refer to you as her or she, as it’s against my faith and Christian values, but I can call you by your name.”
The situation escalated when Mr X allegedly hurled racial slurs at Melle, including, “Imagine if I called you a n*****?” before threatening to report her for supposed homophobia. The patient then lunged toward her violently, prompting intervention from prison guards.
Despite the distressing encounter, Melle remained professional, providing the patient with necessary medication.
In the days following the incident, Melle reported feeling unsupported by hospital management. A colleague who had also referred to Mr X as “he” was not disciplined, the outlet reports, yet Melle was summoned for an investigation. She was informed that her refusal to use the patient’s "preferred pronouns" could be considered a violation of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct, which states nurses must “avoid making assumptions and recognize diversity and individual choice.”
The NHS Trust issued Melle a final written warning and referred her to the NMC. Additionally, she was removed from internal systems, making it difficult for her to apply for extra shifts, and she was transferred to another ward—a move she describes as a demotion.
Melle, now supported by the Christian Legal Centre, is taking legal action against the Trust for harassment, discrimination, and human rights violations. She argues that the NHS unlawfully interfered with her religious freedom under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
"I am devastated by how I have been treated and believe I am being institutionally abused, harassed, bullied, and racially discriminated against,” Melle said. “I remained professional throughout and always treat each and every individual with dignity and respect. I have been put at risk, but I am being treated like a criminal.”
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, condemned the Trust’s handling of the case.
“The NHS appears to remain captured by transgender ideology to the point it is prepared to back a convicted paedophile, who was clearly very disturbed and shouting racist comments, over the Christian nurse,” Williams said. “Jennifer loves Jesus and is a talented nurse who should be supported and protected, not investigated and silenced.”
The controversy surrounding Melle’s case comes amid broader concerns about gender policies in public institutions in many Western countries. The recent Sullivan report revealed that police departments allow criminals to self-identify their gender on official records. Similarly, other NHS cases have involved female nurses objecting to sharing changing spaces with biological male individuals identifying as women.
“It feels like I am dreaming, but I am trusting in Jesus to look after me. I have to take a stand on this issue,” she said.
Last year, six NHS nurses filed a lawsuit against the United Kingdom's health service after a group of 26 women complained about a trans-identified male colleague using the women's changing room. They further said that when they brought their concerns to human resources, they were told to "be more inclusive," "broaden their mindset," and "be educated and attend training."
According to the formal complaint obtained by the Daily Mail, the group said the trans-identified nurse had taken a "keen interest" in the female staff while they undressed. In response to the lawsuit, an NHS spokesperson told the Mail that it was "committed to providing an inclusive and respectful work environment for all employees." They added, "We are committed to working together with all parties to find a solution that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and fairness."
