Feminist author faces legal challenge over public commentary
Canadian writer Meghan Murphy is being assisted by lawyers funded by the Justice Centre in response to multiple human rights complaints filed against her before the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal. The complaints, brought by self-described transgender activist Jessica Simpson, arise from Ms. Murphy’s social media commentary on matters of public interest, including gender identity and public policy.
Complaints focus on social media commentary
The complaints, filed on March 29 and April 9, 2026, allege discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity or expression.
The first complaint centres on a March 29 social media post in which Ms. Murphy referred to the complainant using a prior legal name, an act alleged to constitute “deadnaming” and to have caused harm to dignity, identity, and personal security.
The second complaint, filed April 9, raises concerns about additional commentary in which Ms. Murphy is alleged to have used male descriptors, referenced a prior name, and characterized the complainant as “a man who identifies as a woman.” It also alleges that Ms. Murphy amplified similar third-party content to a wider audience.
Background on complainant
The complainant, Jessica Simpson, has previously been described by courts as a “prolific litigant” and has been involved in numerous human rights and civil proceedings in recent years. According to multiple media reports, these proceedings include past criminal matters, including a conviction for possession of a prohibited weapon and a separate assault conviction involving a journalist.
Legal defence and constitutional issues
Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre will defend Ms. Murphy’s right to express her views on matters of public interest, including ongoing public debates about gender identity and public policy.
Constitutional lawyer Marty Moore said, “The idea that a government tribunal should be policing the use of a person’s prior legal name is absurd. Free expression and a supposed right not to be offended cannot co-exist.”
Ms. Murphy said, “As one of the original dissenting voices on gender identity ideology and legislation in Canada, I have been the subject of harassment, censorship, vilification, and now legal threats. Attempting even to speak in private venues, never mind public venues, in Canada has proven to be near-impossible.”
Next steps
The matter is currently before the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal in Vancouver. A timeline for further proceedings has not yet been set.
Further updates will be posted here as they become available.
New complaint lodged
On April 11, 2026, author and feminist writer Meghan Murphy received a third human rights complaint from Jessica Simpson alleging discrimination on the grounds of sex, gender identity, and expression.  Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre will be providing representation to Ms. Murphy regarding this matter as well.