• Thursday, 26 October 2023 09:35

• Canada

The legal team of a nurse in British Columbia facing disciplinary action for her public comments on transgender individuals argues that a controversial psychologist should be allowed to testify as an expert witness to debunk the notion that her comments harm transgender people.

Lawyer Amy Hamm argued on Wednesday that evidence from Toronto psychologist James Cantor is necessary to refute the College of Nurses and Midwives of British Columbia's claim that Hamm engaged in unprofessional conduct.

"He can debunk the myth that Amy Hamm's opinion ... would lead to actual harm to transgender people or deter them from seeking medical help," lawyer Karen Bastow told a hearing on whether Cantor should qualify as an expert witness.

The college alleges that Hamm "made discriminatory and derogatory statements about transgender people" by referring to herself as a nurse. Hamm frequently refers to transgender women as "men" in social media posts, videos, and podcasts, suggesting they pose a danger to cisgender women and children, and has likened the disciplinary hearing to a "witch trial."

On the other hand, the college is arguing against Cantor's qualification as an expert, claiming he lacks the necessary expertise.

Cantor's research primarily focuses on pedophilia and what he terms as atypical sexualities. Nevertheless, he has recently testified in about two dozen U.S. court cases in support of state laws that restrict medical care, restroom usage, and participation in sports for transgender individuals.

Psychologist claims he's 'appearing at a financial loss' Under cross-examination on Wednesday, Cantor acknowledged that he has doubled his income this year by serving as an expert in the U.S. and had to take a sabbatical from his clinical practice due to his courtroom commitments. However, he also noted that he is making "far, far less" for his appearances in Hamm's case.

"I'm appearing at a financial loss," he stated.

Cantor has questioned the safety and efficacy of gender-affirming care and suggested that many teenagers identifying as transgender are merely insecure about fitting in and growing up in his U.S. testimony. During Hamm's hearing, Cantor proposed that many young people identifying as transgender would eventually identify as gay or lesbian, attributing the increase in adolescents coming out as trans to social media. However, Cantor admitted that he has never treated anyone under 16 for gender dysphoria.

The disciplinary committee has yet to decide whether to qualify Cantor as a witness in Hamm's case, and hearings will resume on October 31.

Cantor's comments have sparked controversy and debate, and his qualifications as an expert witness in cases related to transgender issues are being closely scrutinized.