Stephen Pynch’s citizenship has become the centre of a legal dispute after it was revoked by the Bureau of Citizenship and Customs (BCC) over alleged “transphobia”.
The decision followed a series of remarks by Pynch directed at former Co-leader and MP Willow Dziedzic, who is openly non-binary. Pynch referred to them using incorrect pronouns and said he would not “call you what you want… off of a baseline of no respect”. He also claimed he had “no… clue” what Dziedzic wanted to be called and added that they had been “an asshole to me… why would I care or respect those wishes”.
Dziedzic had previously criticised Pynch and the People’s Civic Movement, telling him “you’re a no lifer” and accusing him of “not doing a good job” at gaining support.
In a brief statement, BCC Secretary Kari Suzuki told The Times of Curnon that Pynch’s citizenship “got revoked on evidence of transphobia, which falls under discrimination”, adding that the bureau “will be fighting the injunction” in an effort to reinstate the revocation.
However, Pynch’s legal representatives argue the move was “illegally revoked”, stating his comments contained “not a single threat” and that he was denied a “fair trial” with no “announcement, given reason, or trial”.
Court says Pynch appeal has “likelihood of success”
The Court has granted a temporary injunction, finding that the case raises “substantial constitutional questions” and that Pynch has demonstrated a “likelihood of success” in challenging the revocation. The court noted that citizenship may only be removed through a judicial ruling or renunciation, and said there was no evidence such approval had been obtained.
It also warned that the loss of citizenship risks “irreparable harm”, affecting fundamental rights and legal status. As a result, the court ordered authorities to halt enforcement of the revocation and “maintain” Pynch’s citizenship as it stood prior to the decision, pending a full hearing on the merits.
A full hearing is expected to determine whether the revocation was lawful.