B.C. nurse risks losing licence in 'witch trial' over opposition to 'radical gender ideology'
The disciplinary hearing for a B.C. nurse resumed on October 23 over her public recognition of only two genders three years ago.
Amy Hamm, a women's rights advocate and mother of two, became the centre of controversy during an unprecedented legal challenge on freedom of expression in 2020.
According to allegations by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), Hamm disseminated "medically inaccurate information" after placing a 'I heart JK Rowling' billboard in Vancouver. The billboard served as a symbol of solidarity with Rowling, the world-renowned Harry Potter author and advocate for sex-based rights, who championed 'safe spaces' for women and children.
Two members of the public, who had never been patients of the accused, lodged a complaint with the BCCNM.
Although the board rescinded the "medically inaccurate" charge against Hamm in June 2022, they allege the nurse "[…] made discriminatory and derogatory statements regarding transgender people [between approximately July 2018 and March 2021] as a nurse or nurse educator" across various online platforms, including but not limited to, podcasts, videos, published writings and social media.
The professional body subsequently launched an investigation into the matter.
1) The witch-hunt …I mean the disciplinary hearing against BC nurse Amy Hamm (@preta_6 ) brought by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), continues today.
— Drea Humphrey - Prepping and Politics (@DreaHumphrey) October 23, 2023
Catch up on the free speech battle below👇🏾 Full report coming soon. https://t.co/mXscLDohrY
"There's a ton of conversation to be had about gender identity, ideology, and the fact that if you put up something as innocuous as an 'I [heart] JK Rowling' billboard and then it causes the city councilor of Vancouver to accuse you of hate speech," Hamm told Rebel News in a previous interview about the billboard.
She said following the complaint against her, she received tens of thousands of messages that threatened her with hate and abuse. "I think that has the effect of showing people how toxic this debate actually is," she said, referring to the hearing against her as a 'witch hunt.'
"Funny how I’m allowed to work despite their accusations that my off-duty conduct makes me unsafe," she posted on her X feed October 4. "This is a show trial. A witch trial."
"They want me to quit," said Hamm before publicly declaring the BCCNM is "stuck with me."
You can watch the time Jessica Simpson, formally Johnathan Yaniv, threatened Donald Smith here.https://t.co/OX8ZCDsuVm
— Drea Humphrey - Prepping and Politics (@DreaHumphrey) October 23, 2023
Her legal counsel, Lisa Bildy and counsel Karen Bastow, iterated that regulatory bodies across Canada are increasingly policing the speech of professionals with threats of disciplinary action.
"The College is tasked with keeping patients safe and regulating the profession in the public interest," said Bildy. "Their job is not to give social justice activists a tool for 'cancelling' people with whom they do not agree or who have opinions outside of a narrow orthodoxy."
"Professional governing bodies are created by statute and are therefore subject to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Freedom of speech, thought, belief, opinion and expression are Charter rights belonging to all people, even health professionals," she continued, claiming the case's verdict will "set an important precedent for regulated professionals who engage in [...] policy debates."
Hamm (@preta_6 ) is a woman’s rights activist who has garnered support from others including members of the trans community. The College began investigating her after a few complaints came in after she partnered to have a I ❤️ JK Rowling Billboard put up. https://t.co/lTUntHLxjR
— Drea Humphrey - Prepping and Politics (@DreaHumphrey) September 21, 2022
Aside from several delays, including interruptions from a member of the public, the bulk of Monday's deliberations centered on whether the panel should qualify sexologist and clinical psychologist Dr. James Cantor as an expert witness.
The defence asked Dr. Cantor to provide evidence on the impact gender ideology had on medical health practices, mental health practices, and if some of Hamm's off-duty statements in question may serve as a social benefit.
The College's counsel made several objections on the timing to qualify Cantor. Although their case submissions had already concluded, they also called forth epidemiologist Dr. Ayden Sheim as an additional witness to challenge evidence by Cantor should the panel opt to qualify him.
A concerning revelation made that afternoon uncovered that Sheim had been present during the virtual hearing by invitation of the College counsel Barbara Findlay. Sheim was in attendance while Bastow questioned Cantor on his extensive experience on the science of sexual behaviour and statistical research, including studies related to gender dysphoria and medically transitioning adolescent children.
5) Speaking of experts.
— Drea Humphrey - Prepping and Politics (@DreaHumphrey) October 23, 2023
If you haven’t already watched my interview with Psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Levine, founder of a gender identity clinic in Ohio you should.
Levine explains the massive flaws found in key studies relied on for affirmative care. https://t.co/SXYU6WUgGq
Hamm's disciplinary hearing will reconvene virtually October 24 and 25 at 10 a.m. local time and pick resume on October 31. Public attendance is not restricted for either date.
If you value freedom of expression in Canada, you can help fight to preserve it! Click on the link here to sign and share our petition demanding the Trudeau government repeal their online censorship laws.
Drea Humphrey
B.C. Bureau Chief
Based in British Columbia, Drea Humphrey reports on Western Canada for Rebel News. Drea’s reporting is not afraid to challenge political correctness, or ask the tough questions that mainstream media tends to avoid.
