BC nurse suspended at the university, asked to pay $ 94k in costs for comments about transgender people
A BC nurse has recently faced disciplinary action for making discriminatory statements about transgender individuals. The BC College of Nurses and Midwives suspended Amy Hamm for a month and ordered her to pay nearly $94,000 in costs for her actions.
The disciplinary panel found that between July 2018 and March 2021, Hamm made statements on various online platforms that were intended to incite fear, contempt, and indignation against members of the transgender community. Hamm has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court of BC, delaying the decision on the fine and costs until the appeal is resolved.
Transgender individuals are protected against discrimination by laws in BC and Canada, ensuring they are treated based on their gender identity. The BC human rights code was updated in 2016 to include protection against discrimination based on gender identity or expression.
Hamm’s lawyer, Lisa Bildy, believes the panel made legal and factual errors in its decision, arguing that Hamm was punished for expressing views in line with science and common sense. Hamm maintains that her comments are not hateful, stating, “I am advocating for the biological reality and freedom of expression.”
The Commission views the decision as a crucial stand against discrimination, emphasizing the importance of non-discriminatory care in the healthcare system. Nurses and midwives play a significant role in society and must uphold the principle of providing care without discrimination.
In response to the disciplinary action, the Justice Center for Constitutional Freedoms submitted complaints to the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal. Hamm has been vocal about her concerns regarding the rights of women and children, particularly in relation to transgender women accessing female-only spaces.
Despite facing backlash, Hamm has received support from online followers, including author JK Rowling. She has been active in advocating for her beliefs, even contributing to a billboard in Vancouver supporting Rowling’s stance on gender identity.
The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender rights and the importance of respectful and non-discriminatory care in the healthcare profession. It serves as a reminder of the need to uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
