UK doctor dismissed from adoption panel over religious views

Dr. Sheila Matthews (pictured) was dismissed from her role on an adoption panel over her religious-based belief that children should not be placed with same-sex couples, a tribunal has heard. Matthews sat on an adoption panel for Northamptonshire County Council.

She was removed from her job when she asked to abstain from voting in cases where gay couples were planning to adopt because of her religious beliefs.

The 50-year-old said she felt that children “do best” with heterosexual parents. Her inability to act fully in her capacity posed a serious problem.