N.H. Worker Files
Complaint to Practice Christianity at Work

A former employee has accused a New Hampshire child advocacy agency of harassing and discriminating against her because she shared her Christian beliefs in the office.

In her lawsuit, Penny Nixon of Concord said she was sarcastically referred to as the ''good Christian'' at Casey Family Services. She says she was forbidden from giving out religious Christmas cards.

Nixon also claims that although the agency promoted tolerance and diversity, it would not allow her to hold voluntary lunch-hour Bible studies but permitted a gay and lesbian group to meet during business hours.

''Penny Nixon is not saying she has any objection to working with gay men or lesbians,'' Nixon's attorney, Chuck Douglas, wrote in a lawsuit filed in Merrimack County Superior Court. ''She does not object to diversity training that is evenhanded. However, she does assert her right to have her practice and belief in Christianity unmolested in the workplace.''

Casey Family Services has not yet responded to the lawsuit in court. Lee Mullane, a spokeswoman at the agency's Connecticut headquarters, said the agency promotes respect and tolerance for all beliefs and believes Casey will be vindicated in court. (AP)