Crucifixes to stay at health centres as Fearne steps in to reverse decision

An order to remove all religious symbols from health centres has been revoked by Health Minister Chris Fearne. In a circular, Primary Care officials told heads of health clinics that all religious symbols, such as holy pictures stuck to walls have to be removed. Read: Crucifix in state classrooms ‘no breach of human rights’ The reasoning behind this order, to be implemented immediately, was that health centres were a public entity, and should be considered to cater towards a multi-cultural society. However, in a tweet on Sunday afternoon, Mr Fearne said he disagreed with the decision and that he had ordered that the circular be immediately revoked. Read: ‘Crucifix removal never, tolerance always’