Anti-abortion activist trying to get nursing licence back

A Saskatchewan judge has reserved judgment in the case of an outspoken anti-abortion and anti-gay activist who wants his nursing licence back.

Bill Whatcott was fined and suspended from nursing in 2002 after picketing Planned Parenthood Regina. The organization counsels women about sexual health, contraception and abortion.

Whatcott said those practices kill babies and cause AIDS.

The Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses suspended him for making false statements.

In court Friday, Whatcott's lawyer Thomas Schuck argued that public debate around sexual politics should not be grounds for suspension.

Whatcott has led protests across Saskatchewan and Alberta against abortion and gays and has been fined by a Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission tribunal for distributing offensive leaflets.

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Schuck said the nurses association disciplined Whatcott because they disagree with his beliefs.

However, the licenced practical nurses association said that's not true.

Whatcott was not working as a nurse when he made the controversial remarks.

However, the association's lawyer Merrilee Rasmussen said it's inappropriate for a nurse to say such things at any time.