One member of the public complained about posts a nurse had written on her own personal account, in her own time. Then they declined to take the matter any further.
Cath had expressed her views on a range of topics, including the COVID-19 virus, abortion, gender identity, and Te Pāti Māori MPs.
That should have been the end of it. Instead, the Nursing Council pressed on, engaging a King's Counsel to argue that Cath Simpson's private political views make her a "risk of serious harm to the public". There is no allegation she harmed anyone. A quarter-century of care now hangs on what she posted online.
Regulators exist to protect the public from incompetent or dishonest practice, not to police the lawful opinions of the people they license. Once that line is crossed, no professional's voice is safe: not a nurse's, not a teacher's, not yours.
You don't need to agree with a word Cath wrote to see what's at stake. Her hearing is in August. We are funding her defence in full, and we're asking you to help.
Give what you can today. Stand with Cath, so that no one is left to stand alone.
🔗 Support Cath today:
fsu.nz/donation-pages/stand-…