B.C. nurse committed unprofessional conduct for transgender comments, committee finds

A recent decision by a disciplinary panel of the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives has brought to light the unprofessional conduct of a nurse named Amy Hamm. The panel found that Hamm had made discriminatory and derogatory statements about transgender individuals across various online platforms between July 2018 and March 2021.

The panel’s decision, released on Thursday, stated that Hamm’s statements were designed to elicit fear, contempt, and outrage against members of the transgender community. Hamm, who publicly identified herself as a nurse or nurse educator while making these statements, was found to have spread misinformation and unfair claims, challenging the existence of transgender women and advocating for less constitutional protection for them.

The panel concluded that Hamm’s statements were targeted towards vulnerable and marginalized individuals, potentially deterring transgender people from accessing the healthcare system. One particularly egregious statement included an online article in which Hamm claimed that transgender activists aimed to infiltrate or destroy spaces designated for women only.

A hearing will be scheduled to determine the penalty for Hamm, and she has the option to appeal the ruling in B.C. Supreme Court. The panel emphasized that Hamm is free to express her views publicly, but she should refrain from identifying herself as a nurse or nurse educator to prevent undermining the reputation and integrity of the nursing profession.

In response to the decision, Hamm stated on social media platform X, “The fight isn’t over. I will always fight for free speech and women’s sex-based rights.” She received support from followers, including author J.K. Rowling, after facing backlash for her views on gender identity.

During the hearing, Hamm defended her advocacy as a means to protect women and children in sex-segregated spaces. She clarified that she does not have any issue with transgender individuals personally but objects to what she perceives as an infringement on women and children’s rights. Hamm expressed her rejection of the concept of gender identity, referring to it as “anti-scientific, metaphysical nonsense,” and has referred to transgender women as men in social media posts.

Despite her personal beliefs, Hamm stated that she adheres to her employer’s policy of using people’s preferred pronouns at work. She indicated that her advocacy for changing policies occurs outside of her workplace.

Since the hearing, Hamm has written columns for various media outlets on topics such as politics, crime, and sex and gender. She was also a speaker at the recent B.C. Conservative Party’s annual general meeting.

The case of Amy Hamm serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding professional conduct and respecting all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. It highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be mindful of the impact of their words and actions on marginalized communities.