B.C. Nurse Punished for Defending Women’s Rights Files Appeals and Human Rights Complaints
Vancouver-area nurse Amy Hamm, a mother of two with a 13-year record in healthcare, has been disciplined by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BC College) for publicly defending women’s rights.
The controversy began in September 2020 when Hamm co-sponsored a Vancouver billboard reading, “I ♥ JK Rowling,” supporting the author’s stance on female-only spaces, such as shelters, restrooms and sports.
The billboard sparked backlash, and complaints were filed with the BC College accusing Hamm of transphobia. An 18-month investigation reviewed 332 pages of Hamm’s public statements. In March 2025, a disciplinary panel found her guilty of professional misconduct for four statements linked to her role as a nurse, ruling that these crossed a professional boundary.
Hamm’s legal team emphasizes that her statements were made off-duty, supported by science, and part of a legitimate public debate. They argue the ruling violates her freedom of expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Hamm has appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of British Columbia and filed two human rights complaints alleging discrimination based on political beliefs—one against Vancouver Coastal Health and another against the BC College. She faces a one-month suspension and a $93,639.80 legal cost penalty, though she remains resolute:
“The College has chosen to punish me for statements that are not hateful, but truthful. Biological reality matters, and so does freedom of expression.”
Constitutional experts warn this case could set a dangerous precedent for free speech among regulated professionals. Thousands of Canadians continue to support Hamm’s legal fight through donations to the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, highlighting the wider stakes for women’s rights and freedom of expression in Canada.
Source: Justice Centre, The case of Amy Hamm: free speech, women’s rights, and professional discipline
********************************************************************************************************************************