BALTIMORE – A former patient is suing the University of Maryland Medical Center for $30 million after being kicked out for performing a Muslim ritual in the lobby restroom.
Dr. Mohammed Hussain, 61, was washing his hands and feet March 22 as part of a Muslim ritual called Wuduh in the hospital lobby restroom when a hospital security discovered him and forced him to leave the building. Hussain’s lawyer stated that the guard referred to Hussain as a terrorist along with several other racial epithets. The guard then allegedly pushed Hussain, a radiologist, down the hall toward another guard who escorted him off the premises.
Hussain had been admitted to the hospital have a cancerous tumor removed from his tongue. He was able to regain entry into the hospital by explaining his situation to another security guard outside.
Hospital officials have expressed disappointment that although Hussain filed a complaint, he chose instead to pursue the lawsuit.
Hussain’s lawyer said the lawsuit is intended to force the hospital to better educate its employees in dealing with patients of different religious backgrounds.
