Front Burner

The Canadian helping U.S states defend anti-trans laws

The CBC’s Jonathan Montpetit investigates Toronto psychologist James Cantor’s role in defending the widespread anti-trans laws in the U.S.
Since 2021, Toronto psychologist James Cantor has testified in more than 20 cases in the U.S. involving transgender issues.
Since 2021, Toronto psychologist James Cantor has testified in more than 20 cases in the U.S. involving transgender issues. (Craig Chivers/CBC)

Since 2020, state-level politicians in the U.S. have passed dozens of bills that LGBTQ advocates say are anti-trans. When it comes to defending these laws in court, states have been turning to an unlikely ally: Toronto psychologist James Cantor. He's testified in more than 20 cases in the U.S. involving transgender issues. 

Today on Front Burner, CBC investigative journalist Jonathan Montpetit on Cantor's influence, and how his scientific expertise is being weaponized by conservative Christian groups and Republican politicians to roll back trans rights in the U.S.

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