Last year, we asked our members and other concerned citizens to join us in our challenge against the City of Hamilton in a Judicial Review. We are grateful for all who did. Many of you shared our outrage that an innocuous poster showing a woman smiling and the words, “Woman: An Adult Female” (shown here) would be rejected by the City and disallowed on their bus shelters. But that’s what happened.

That definition of a woman—or a similar one—can be found in most dictionaries. Who could have foreseen that attempting to publish it would touch off a legal case, pitting the Christian Heritage Party against the City of Hamilton . . . for a second time? (In 2018, CHP won a similar case against the City when they wrongly broke our contract and removed our “Competing Human Rights: Where’s the Justice?” poster from their bus shelters.)

Many of you showed your passionate support at that time by helping us with donations and pledges. Thank you! Your contributions made it possible for us to retain the excellent legal services of the Acacia Group. Our Lawyer ably presented our case, but on November 12, 2024, a three-judge panel ruled against us and ordered us to pay the City of Hamilton $35,000 by December 12.

Looking ahead: The National Board is prepared to take this fight to the Ontario Court of Appeal. This issue of women’s rights is too important for us to simply throw in the towel, too important for the future of free speech in Canada and too important for women and girls to have their privacy protected in public change-rooms, washrooms and shower facilities. It also has serious implications for the future of women’s and girls’ sports.

Should the Appeals Court decide there is merit in hearing our case, we will begin seeking pledges toward the estimated cost of proceeding. Based upon the response of our members and supporters, we will decide whether to proceed or withdraw. As important as this case is, we will not take the risk without knowing that you are standing with us!

My request: With these legal costs, the upcoming election in 2025, along with general operating expenses, we can really use your help right now. If you are planning to make your year-end donation in December, please consider doing that this week.

Due to the strike at Canada Post, you can make your donation by e-transfer to nationaloffice@chp.ca giving full name, address, phone number and email address or by credit card. Contact the National Office if you need assistance.

With gratitude for your help,

Rod Taylor,
National Leader CHP Canada