Royal College of Nursing faces backlash for refusing to act in Christian nurse case involving transgender paedophile
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is under scrutiny for its handling of a disciplinary case involving Jennifer Melle, a senior nurse suspended since April 2025. The controversy centres on her refusal to use preferred pronouns for a transgender patient—a convicted male paedophile—leading to allegations of a data breach after she spoke to the media. Now, Melle is pursuing legal action against her employer, claiming harassment, discrimination, and breaches of her human rights.
The RCN’s General Secretary, Professor Nicola Ranger, has faced criticism for inaction in the case, particularly after an October 2025 meeting with Melle ended abruptly when Ranger left without explanation.
Jennifer Melle was suspended in April 2025 following an internal investigation. The Trust accused her of a data breach after she discussed her disciplinary process with reporters. Her suspension stemmed from an earlier incident in which she declined to use a transgender patient’s preferred pronouns. The patient, a convicted male paedophile, had been assigned to female wards, raising concerns among staff.
In October 2025, Melle met with RCN leadership, including Professor Ranger, in London. The meeting ended unexpectedly when Ranger received a phone call and did not return. The RCN has yet to take a public stance on Melle’s case, despite its broader advocacy for LGBTQI+ inclusion. Under Ranger’s leadership, the organisation has promoted campaigns like #PrideInNursing and lobbied against hate crime.
The RCN is currently awaiting guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) before responding to the UK Supreme Court’s For Women Scotland ruling, which upheld the legal recognition of biological sex. Meanwhile, Melle has filed claims under the Equality Act and Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Her preliminary Employment Tribunal hearing is set for 13 January 2026, with the full hearing scheduled for April 2026.
Melle’s legal challenge will test the balance between workplace policies on gender identity and protections for staff with differing beliefs. The RCN’s delay in addressing the case reflects its cautious approach pending EHRC guidance. The outcome of her tribunal could influence how similar disputes are handled in the NHS and beyond.
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