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Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms vs. transgender people

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Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) is a conservative Canadian legal advocacy organization that has represented anti-transgender activists and intervened in cases and policies affecting transgender people in Canada.

JCCF has supported individuals including Pamela Buffone, Amy Eileen Hamm, Barbara Kay, and Meghan Murphy. JCCF has supported organizations including Gender Dysphoria Alliance, Our Duty Canada, Canadian Women’s Sex-Based Rights, and Parents for Choice in Education.

JCCF is frequently involved in defending people sued by “prolific litigant” Jessica Simpson (formerly Jessica Yaniv).

Background

Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) was founded in 2010 by John Carpay and is based in Calgary, Alberta. JCCF focuses on several key areas of law and policy:

  • Government accountability and constitutional governance: JCCF pursues constitutional and administrative-law challenges against government actions.
  • COVID-19 mandates and public health restrictions: JCCF became one of Canada’s most active opponents of lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and related public-health measures.

Areas of focus that affect trans and gender diverse people include:

  • Freedom of expression and academic freedom: JCCF frequently represents individuals who claim they were censored, disciplined, or excluded from public debate because of their views. They have represented students, teachers, administrators, and public officials.
  • Religious freedom and freedom of conscience: JCCF often represents religious individuals and organizations claiming government interference with religious beliefs.
  • Professional regulation and regulatory bodies: JCCF frequently challenges the authority of professional regulators and licensing bodies.
  • Human rights commissions: JCCF is frequently critical of provincial human rights commissions, claiming they “empower censorship.”
  • “Parental rights” and education policy: JCCF frequently argues that parents should have greater control over children’s education, particularly regarding sexuality, gender identity, religion, and moral instruction.
  • Gender identity and transgender-related litigation: Since the mid-2010s, JCCF has become involved in a growing number of cases involving transgender rights, gender identity policies, and sex-based rights claims.

People

Current and former staff

  • John Carpay, President
  • Heather Lawson, Director of Operations
  • Luke Neilson, Director of Communications
  • Marcie Clare, Events & Special Projects Coordinator
  • Benjamin Klassen, Education Coordinator
  • Charlotte Jordan, Donor Relations & Database Specialist
  • Lisa Bildy, staff lawyer (2019–2021)

Current and former board

  • Peter Stock, Chairman: President of the Home School Legal Defense Association
  • John Robson: Executive Director of the Climate Discussion Nexus
  • Dan Wiebe: Entrepreneur
  • Boris Rassin: Corporate Director
  • Barbara Kay, writer

Current and former fellows

Cases involving transgender-related topics

Simpson (fka Yaniv) v. Kay (2026)

  • Venue: British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal
  • Description: JCCF supported anti-trans activist Barbara Kay in two complaints by transgender litigant Jessica Simpson (formerly Jessica Yaniv) over Kay’s social media posts
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (April 15, 2026)

Simpson (fka Yaniv) v. Culture Guard and Simpson [no relation] (2026)

  • Venue: British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal
  • Description: JCCF supported anti-trans organization Culture Guard and leader Kari Simpson in 18 complaints by transgender litigant Jessica Simpson (formerly Jessica Yaniv) over their discussion of Simpson
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (April 15, 2026)

Simpson (fka Yaniv) v. Brodie (2026)

  • Venue: British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal
  • Description: JCCF supported accountant Dallas Brodie in two complaints by transgender litigant Jessica Simpson (formerly Jessica Yaniv) over Brodie’s social media posts
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (April 13, 2026)

Simpson (fka Yaniv) v. Murphy (2026)

  • Venue: British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal
  • Description: JCCF supported anti-trans activist Meghan Murphy in two complaints by transgender litigant Jessica Simpson (formerly Jessica Yaniv) over Murphy’s social media posts
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (April 10, 2026)

Simpson (fka Yaniv) v. Western Standard New Media Corp. (2026)

  • Venue: British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal
  • Description: JCCF supported anti-trans media publication Western Standard in four complaints by transgender litigant Jessica Simpson (formerly Jessica Yaniv) over their coverage of Simpson
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (April 10, 2026)

South East Cornerstone Public School Division (2026)

  • Venue: not applicable
  • Description: JCCF supported parent Tawney Johnson in a warning letter about gender-inclusive bathroom policies at Lampman School.
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (May 26, 2026)

Matt and Nicole Alexander v. Renfrew County District School Board (2025)

  • Venue: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
  • Description: JCCF supported teachers Matt and Nicole Alexander, who were suspended and then terminated by the Renfrew County District School Board in 2023 “for not celebrating and affirming LGBTQ issues.”
  • JCCF report

Matt and Nicole Alexander v. Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (2025)

Canadian Civil Liberties Association v. New Brunswick (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development) (2024)

UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity v. Saskatchewan (2023)

  • Venue: Court of King’s Bench of Saskatchewan
  • Description: University of Regina advocacy group challenged amendments to Saskatchewan’s Education Act, 1995 (s. 197.4), which required schools to get parental consent before using a minor student’s chosen name or pronouns. JCCF supported Gender Dysphoria Alliance and Parents for Choice in Education in an application as intervenors in the case.
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (September 20, 2023)
  • UR Pride application in KBG-RG-01978-2023 (August 31, 2023)

Burjoski v. Waterloo Region District School Board et al. (2022)

Ramsey v. Waterloo Region District School Board (2023)

  • Venue: Ontario Divisional Court
  • Description: JCCF supported Waterloo Region District School Board trustee Michael Ramsey after Ramsey was sanctioned by the board for taking issue with their decision in the matter of Carolyn Burjoski.
  • JCCF report

Wiebe v. Olsen (2022)

  • Venue: British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal
  • Description: Transgender complainant Theresa (Terry) Wiebe filed against Kristin Olsen over comments while Wiebe was living on Olsen’s property
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (June 1, 2026)
  • JCCF press release (April 2, 2025)

Nursing licensure investigation of Amy Hamm (2021)

Murphy and Vancouver Public Library (2018)

  • Legal venue: not applicable
  • Description: JCCF threatened legal action against Vancouver Public Library if they cancelled or imposed security fees for two anti-trans events that were both eventually held at the library:
  • “Women’s Places & Spaces: Sports, Prisons, and Shelters” with Meghan Murphy, Linda Blade, and Heather Mason (2020)
  • “Gender Identity and Women’s Rights” with Meghan Murphy, Lee Lakeman, and Fay Blaney (2019)
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (January 29, 2020)
  • JCCF press release (January 11, 2019)
  • JCCF press release (December 18, 2018)

Yaniv v. Canada Galaxy Pageants (2019)

Yaniv v. various waxing salons (2018)

AB v. CD (2018)

  • Venue: British Columbia Court of Appeal
  • Description: Transgender minor “AB” sought transition healthcare without consent of parent “CD,” who opposed it
  • JCCF report
  • Press release (January 10, 2020)

N.B. v. Ottawa Carleton District School Board (2018)

BCTF and CTA v. Barry Neufeld (2018)

  • Venue: British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal
  • Complainants: British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and Chilliwack Teachers’ Association (CTA)
  • Description: JCCF supported Chilliwack School Board Trustee Barry Neufeld, who made anti-trans public comments about transgender-related school programs. Their response mentions Germaine Greer, James Cantor, Lisa Marchiano, Susan Bradley and Ken Zucker.
  • Press release (January 22, 2018)

CUPE and CTA v. Fred Henry (2018)

  • Venue: Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission
  • Complainants: Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 411 and Chilliwack Teachers’ Association (CTA)
  • Description: JCCF supported Catholic Bishop of Calgary Fred Henry after Henry published four pastoral letters in 2016 titled “Totalitarianism in Alberta.” Henry criticized Alberta’s Ministry of Education guidelines concerning sexual orientation, gender identity, and transgender students in schools.
  • JCCF founder John Carpay published an editorial in the Calgary Sun supporting Henry which mentioned Ken Zucker and Susan Bradley

Oger v. Whatcott (2017)

  • Venue: British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal
  • Description: Supported Bill Whatcott in a complaint brought by transgender political candidate Morgane Oger over Whatcott’s anti-trans election flyers that included misgendering and deadnaming.
  • JCCF report
  • JCCF press release (March 28, 2019)

Trinity Western University v. Law Society of Upper Canada (2016)

Canadian policy affecting transgender people

Opposition to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) Commissioner’s Directive 100 (2022)

Opposition to Bill C-6 (43rd Parliament, 2nd Session, October 2020)

Opposition to Bill C-8 (43rd Parliament, 2nd Session, March 2020)

Opposition to Alberta School Act (Bill 24)

Other selected cases involving anti-trans activists

The following cases are not about transgender people or policy but involve anti-transgender activists.

  • Evely v. Nova Scotia (Minister), 2026 NSSC 118 (woods travel ban during fire season)

Anti-trans coverage

Bildy, Lisa (November 6, 2019). Our freedoms are under assault by social justice mobs. The Post Millennial https://thepostmillennial.com/our-freedoms-are-under-assault-by-social-justice-mobs/ JCCF url https://www.jccf.ca/our-freedoms-are-under-assault-by-social-justice-mobs/

Selected case overviews by JCCF

Staff report (June 4, 2026). $10,000 fine for private comments between friends threatens freedom of expression. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/10000-fine-for-private-comments-between-friends-threatens-freedom-of-expression-2/

Staff report (May 26, 2026). Saskatchewan mother calls for protections for female students’ privacy in school washrooms. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/saskatchewan-mother-calls-for-protections-for-female-students-privacy-in-school-washrooms/

Staff report (May 20, 2026). The Alexander family: punished for standing by their beliefs. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/the-alexander-family-punished-for-standing-by-their-beliefs/

Staff report (May 14, 2026). The forcible confinement of female inmates with trans-identifying males is challenged in court. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/the-forcible-confinement-of-female-inmates-with-trans-identifying-males-is-challenged-in-court/

Staff report (April 16, 2026). Trans activist Jessica Simpson files human rights complaints against Western Standard New Media Corp. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/trans-activist-jessica-simpson-files-human-rights-complaints-against-western-standard-new-media-corp/

Staff report (April 15, 2026). Award-winning journalist Barbara Kay faces trio of human rights complaints over gender identity commentary. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/award-winning-journalist-barbara-kay-faces-trio-of-human-rights-complaints-over-gender-identity-commentary/

Staff report (April 13, 2026). Canadian feminist author Meghan Murphy defends free expression in response to multiple human rights complaints. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/canadian-feminist-author-meghan-murphy-defends-free-expression-in-response-to-multiple-human-rights-complaints/

Starr report (April 13, 2026). BC MLA Dallas Brodie targeted by serial complainant at human rights tribunal. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/bc-mla-dallas-brodie-targeted-by-serial-complainant-at-human-rights-tribunal/

Staff report (November 14, 2025). Ontario College of Teachers faces challenge after pressuring educator to surrender licence. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/ontario-college-of-teachers-faces-challenge-after-pressuring-educator-to-surrender-licence/

Staff report (October 20, 2025). Complaint alleges Nanaimo school board discriminated against parent over political beliefs. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/https-www-jccf-ca-complaint-filed-against-nanaimo-ladysmith-school-district-for-political-discrimination/

Staff report (September 16, 2025). The case of Amy Hamm: free speech, women’s rights, and professional discipline. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/nurse-faces-suspension-after-endorsing-safe-spaces-for-biological-females/

Staff report (November 15, 2024). Court Hears Challenge To Censorship Of School Board Trustee. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/court-hears-challenge-to-censorship-of-school-board-trustee/

Staff report (May 2, 2024). Parent and gender dysphoria groups granted intervenor status in New Brunswick school policy case. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/parent-and-gender-dysphoria-groups-granted-intervenor-status-in-new-brunswick-school-policy-case-2/

Staff report (September 5, 2023). Transsexual and parent groups support children’s rights in SK court case. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/transsexual-and-parent-groups-support-childrens-rights-in-sk-court-case-2/

Staff report (August 11, 2023). Challenging expanding definitions of “hate speech” in Canada. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/challenging-expanding-definitions-of-hate-speech-in-canada/

Staff report (June 6, 2022). Teacher silenced for raising concerns about age-inappropriate books. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/burjoski-v-waterloo-region-district-school-board/

Staff report (June 5, 2022). N.B. v. Ottawa Carleton District School Board. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/n-b-v-ottawa-carleton-district-school-board/

Staff report (March 26, 2022). Transgender person with male genitals sues female beauty pageant for refusing service. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/transgender-person-with-male-genitals-sues-female-beauty-pageant-for-refusing-service/

Staff report (January 10, 2020). Female-born minor pursuing gender transition against father’s consent. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/ab-v-cd-2/

Staff report (October 16, 2019). Complaint made against esthetician who refused to perform waxing services on biological male. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/poyer-v-jy-bc-human-rights-tribunal/

Staff report (October 16, 2019). Public library imposes $2,000 “security fee” for Meghan Murphy event in content-based discrimination attempt. https://www.jccf.ca/court_cases/murphy-v-vancouver-public-library/

Selected press releases by JCCF

Press release (June 1, 2026). Can private conversations lead to human rights penalties? BC court to decide. https://www.jccf.ca/can-private-conversations-lead-to-human-rights-penalties-bc-court-to-decide/

Press release (May 26, 2026). Saskatchewan mother demands protection for girls’ privacy in school washrooms. https://www.jccf.ca/saskatchewan-mother-demands-protection-for-girls-privacy-in-school-washrooms/

Press release (May 20, 2026). Christian teachers seek justice after losing Ontario teaching careers. https://www.jccf.ca/christian-teachers-seek-justice-after-losing-ontario-teaching-careers/

Press release (May 14, 2026). Federal Court delivers major procedural wins for women challenging prison transfer policy. https://www.jccf.ca/federal-court-delivers-major-procedural-wins-for-women-challenging-prison-transfer-policy/

Press release (April 15, 2026). Journalist Barbara Kay faces multiple human rights complaints over commentary on gender identity. https://www.jccf.ca/journalist-barbara-kay-faces-multiple-human-rights-complaints-over-commentary-on-gender-identity/

Press release (April 15, 2026). BC advocate targeted with barrage of complaints by notorious transgender activist over public commentary. https://www.jccf.ca/bc-advocate-targeted-with-barrage-of-complaints-by-notorious-transgender-activist-over-public-commentary/

Press release (April 13, 2026). BC MLA Dallas Brodie faces complaints from notorious transgender activist Jessica Simpson. https://www.jccf.ca/bc-mla-dallas-brodie-faces-complaints-from-notorious-transgender-activist-jessica-simpson/

Press release (April 10, 2026). Canadian feminist author targeted with complaints by notorious transgender activist. https://www.jccf.ca/canadian-feminist-author-targeted-with-complaints-by-notorious-transgender-activist/

Press release (February 20, 2026). Ontario teachers’ conscience rights case returns to Labour Relations Board. https://www.jccf.ca/ontario-teachers-conscience-rights-case-returns-to-labour-relations-board/

Press release (January 28, 2026). Court affidavit details harms to women housed with trans-identifying male inmates. https://www.jccf.ca/court-affidavit-details-harms-to-women-housed-with-trans-identifying-male-inmates/

Press release (December 8, 2025). Women’s rights group seeks Court approval to challenge policy allowing biological males in women’s prisons. https://www.jccf.ca/womens-rights-group-seeks-court-approval-to-challenge-policy-allowing-biological-males-in-womens-prisons/

Press release (December 5, 2025). Two Ontario teachers challenge union after termination over refusal to celebrate and affirm LGBTQ issues. https://www.jccf.ca/two-ontario-teachers-challenge-union-after-termination-over-refusal-to-celebrate-and-affirm-lgbtq-issues/

Press release (November 14, 2025). Ontario College of Teachers pressures former instructor to surrender her licence over social media posts. https://www.jccf.ca/ontario-college-of-teachers-pressures-former-instructor-to-surrender-her-licence-over-social-media-posts/

Press release (October 20, 2025). Complaint filed against Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District for political discrimination. https://www.jccf.ca/complaint-filed-against-nanaimo-ladysmith-school-district-for-political-discrimination/

Press release (September 8, 2025). Ontario Labour Relations Board says case of Matt and Nicole Alexander will proceed. https://www.jccf.ca/ontario-labour-relations-board-says-case-of-matt-and-nicole-alexander-will-proceed/

Press release (April 16, 2025). Nurse Amy Hamm appeals unprofessional conduct verdict to BC Supreme Court. https://www.jccf.ca/nurse-amy-hamm-appeals-unprofessional-conduct-verdict-to-bc-supreme-court/

Press release (April 7, 2025). Lawsuit takes aim at forcible confinement of female inmates with trans-identifying males. https://www.jccf.ca/lawsuit-takes-aim-at-forcible-confinement-of-female-inmates-with-trans-identifying-males/

Press release (April 2, 2025). $10,000 fine for private comments between friends threatens freedom of expression. https://www.jccf.ca/10000-fine-for-private-comments-between-friends-threatens-freedom-of-expression/

Press release (August 23, 2024). Our Duty Canada can now make arguments to court in defamation case. https://www.jccf.ca/our-duty-canada-can-now-make-arguments-to-court-in-defamation-case/

Press release (May 9, 2024). Parent and gender dysphoria groups granted intervenor status in New Brunswick school policy case. https://www.jccf.ca/parent-and-gender-dysphoria-groups-granted-intervenor-status-in-new-brunswick-school-policy-case/

Press release (October 23, 2023). BC nurse Amy Hamm’s prosecution continues. https://www.jccf.ca/bc-nurse-amy-hamms-prosecution-continues/

Press release (June 6, 2023). Expelled WRDSB trustee for challenging censorship of a teacher in court today. https://www.jccf.ca/expelled-wrdsb-trustee-for-challenging-censorship-of-a-teacher-in-court-today/

Press release (May 31, 2023). Expelled Teacher’s case to be heard on June 5, 2023. https://www.jccf.ca/expelled-teachers-case-to-be-heard-on-june-5-2023/

Press release (July 4, 2022). “Medically inaccurate” charge dropped against nurse facing discipline for gender critical statements. https://www.jccf.ca/medically-inaccurate-charge-dropped-against-nurse-facing-discipline-for-gender-critical-statements/

Press release (June 20, 2022). Legal action filed against school board that expelled teacher criticizing age-appropriateness of classroom books. https://www.jccf.ca/legal-action-filed-against-school-board-that-expelled-teacher-criticizing-age-appropriateness-of-classroom-books/

Press release (July 10, 2021). Nurse being investigated by College of Nurses for her gender critical views. https://www.jccf.ca/nurse-being-investigated-by-college-of-nurses-for-her-gender-critical-views/

Press release (October 30, 2020). If Yaniv is permitted to compete in beauty pageant it would violate the Charter rights of women and girls. https://www.jccf.ca/the-post-millennial-if-yaniv-is-permitted-to-compete-in-beauty-pageant-it-would-violate-the-charter-rights-of-women-and-girls/

Press release (October 26, 2020). Yaniv targets beauty pageant in new discrimination complaint. https://www.jccf.ca/yaniv-targets-beauty-pageant-in-new-discrimination-complaint/

Press release (September 30, 2020). Yaniv drops two complaints against beauty salons. https://www.jccf.ca/yaniv-drops-two-complaints-against-beauty-salons/

Press release (March 1, 2020). Six-year-old told by teacher that “girls are not real”: case to proceed to a full hearing. https://www.jccf.ca/six-year-old-told-by-teacher-that-girls-are-not-real-case-to-proceed-to-a-full-hearing/

Press release (February 2, 2020). New human rights complaints on hold over Yaniv’s failure to pay $6,000 in costs to women. https://www.jccf.ca/new-human-rights-complaints-on-hold-over-yanivs-failure-to-pay-6000-in-costs-to-women/

Press release (January 29, 2020). Vancouver Library takes a strong stand for free speech in allowing event discussing gender identity. https://www.jccf.ca/vancouver-library-takes-a-strong-stand-for-free-speech-in-allowing-event-discussing-gender-identity/

Press release (January 10, 2020). BC Appeal Court in part overturns lower court ruling which infringed free speech of father of transgender child. https://www.jccf.ca/bc-appeal-court-in-part-overturns-lower-court-ruling-which-infringed-free-speech-of-father-of-transgender-child

Press release (January 7, 2020). Yaniv targets another East Indian beauty salon in new waxing complaint. https://www.jccf.ca/yaniv-targets-another-east-indian-beauty-salon-in-new-waxing-complaint/

Press release (November 13, 2019). BC Human Rights Tribunal declines to reconsider decision in favour of estheticians who refused to wax male genitalia. https://www.jccf.ca/bc-human-rights-tribunal-declines-to-reconsider-decision-in-favour-of-estheticians-who-refused-to-wax-male-genitalia/

Press release (November 4, 2019). School sued for telling six-year-old girl that girls are not real. https://www.jccf.ca/school-sued-for-telling-six-year-old-girl-that-girls-are-not-real/

Press release (October 22, 2019). BC Human Rights Tribunal rules in favour of female estheticians who refused to wax male genitalia. https://www.jccf.ca/bc-human-rights-tribunal-rules-in-favour-of-female-estheticians-who-refused-to-wax-male-genitalia/

Press release (March 28, 2019), Man fined $55,000 by BC Human Rights Tribunal over peaceful distribution of flyers critical of transgender political candidate. https://www.jccf.ca/man-fined-55000-by-bc-human-rights-tribunal-over-peaceful-distribution-of-flyers-critical-of-transgender-political-candidate/

Press release (January 11, 2019). Meghan Murphy speaks to packed room at Vancouver Public Library after intervention by Justice Centre. https://www.jccf.ca/meghan-murphy-speaks-to-packed-room-at-vancouver-public-library-after-intervention-by-justice-centre/

Press release (December 18, 2018). Vancouver Library urged to rescind security fee for Meghan Murphy lecture. https://www.jccf.ca/vancouver-library-urged-to-rescind-security-fee-for-meghan-murphy-lecture/

Press release (January 22, 2018). Justice Centre to represent Chilliwack School Trustee, Barry Neufeld in human rights complaint. https://www.jccf.ca/release-justice-centre-to-represent-chilliwack-school-trustee-barry-neufeld-in-human-rights-complaint/

Resources

Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (jccf.ca)

Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

X/Twitter (x.com)

YouTube (youtube.com)

LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

Instagram (instagram.com)

Facebook (facebook.com)

Rumble (rumble.com)