Former Chilliwack school trustee Barry Neufeld has announced he will challenge a $750,000 fine imposed by the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal for publicly affirming that there are only two genders and opposing the indoctrination of children with gender ideology.
The tribunal ruled on February 18, 2026, that 24 of Neufeld’s statements over five years amounted to “discrimination” and “hate speech.” These included criticism of LGBT policies in schools and a pro-LGBT trustee who posted explicit sexual content. Neufeld, who was previously jailed after refusing to pay earlier fines, called the latest penalty “unjust” and said he will fight it in court.
His lawyer, James Kitchen, confirmed the challenge, noting the tribunal showed clear bias and lacked impartiality. Neufeld hopes detransitioners who testified in his defense will be allowed to intervene. He has launched a fundraising campaign through the Rights and Freedoms Fundraising Society to cover legal costs.
The case highlights the growing weaponization of human rights tribunals against parents, teachers, and public figures who defend biological truth and children’s innocence. Conservative MP Andrew Lawton condemned the fine as the product of “kangaroo courts” empowered by Liberal legislation. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre described the ruling as “insane and Orwellian.” This battle is far from over. Neufeld’s determination to contest the penalty sends a clear message that Canadians will not silently accept the erosion of free speech and the protection of children from radical gender ideology in schools.
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