A woman who has been living with epilepsy for 30 years says she was unfairly dismissed after her boss discovered that she was vaccinated against Covid-19.
Lainie Chait is taking her former employer to the Fair Work Commission, after she says she was sacked for choosing to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
But wellness business, the Church of Ubuntu, where Ms Chait had been working since October 2020, claims she was just a contractor.
Ms Chait, from Byron Bay in Australia, worked for the Church of Ubuntu’s wellness clinic remotely for one year. The Church claims to be a "religious order", who help people and animals struggling with health issues.
Ms Chait's lawyer, Mark Swivel, said she didn't consider herself a member of the church, "she was actually simply doing a job for the church".
Ms Chait says it was important for her to get vaccinated against Covid-19, since she has been living with epilepsy for 30 years. However, she didn't think this would mean losing her job.
"I knew their stance on health, and I aligned with all of that, but I didn't realise the political agenda that they had about this kind of thing," she told NBN News.
She is now seeking damages, as she claims she was sacked once her boss discovered her vaccination status.
"The unfair dismissal stems from a simple argument that the employer sacked Lainie when she chose to be vaccinated," Mr Swivel said.
"When I was hired for the job there was nothing I was talked through to tell me this was a potential outcome," Ms Chait said.
"Their constitution states they support all health habits and things people do to support their own health, so they've gone against their own constitution," she added.
In a letter to Ms Chait, the church wrote: "It is the position of the COU that to receive the COVID-19/Sars Cov 2 injection consciously and deliberately with intent is in contradiction with our Constitution and contrary to our position on what is required of us by our Lord God and Creator."
Ms Chait’s case comes amid a debate in Australia over the government's proposed Religious Discrimination Bill and the power of religious organisations to hire and fire based on belief.
