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Barber Shop Refuses Service to Woman For Religious Reasons

Posted By: Michelle Rosa · 11/15/2012 6:00:00 AM

A human rights case for the ages and it's unfolding right here in Toronto.

This is the story of Faith McGregor who went into the Terminal Barber Shop on Bay Street in June to get a men's-style haircut. The owner refused to do it.

Omar Mahrouk told her he is Muslim and his faith prohibits him from touching any woman who is not a member of his family. The other barbers said they too are Muslim.

McGregor has taken this to the Ontario Human Rights Commission claiming discrimination on the basis of gender.

The spokesman for the Commissioner Pascale Demers is quoted by the Star as saying "there's no hierarchy of rights under the legislation, so it's not about one right necessarily trumping the other. Demers believes this case could set an important precedent because as Ontario's population continues to diversify, she says "these things are bound to happen."

Mahrouk has said that if he is forced to cut women's hair, he will have to change his profession in order to accommodate his religion.

(files by D. Agar)

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  1. Zane posted on 11/15/2012 10:34 AM
    Let me say that I am Roman Catholic, and try to respect everyone's faith; I'm also a believer that people should be able to marry whomever they want (in case someone thinks I'm biased against gays).

    I think we live in a time in which people are so easily offended. If they're not willing to cut her hair at this barber shop, then she should just take her business to another barber shop that will; the barber shop is the one that loses out in the end.

    I cant even believe this is in the headlines?
    1. barb posted on 11/15/2012 11:31 AM
      @Zane It is probably in the headlines because if a non Muslim hairstylist or business owner refused service to someone wearing a hijab or berka it would be in the news and politicians, other Muslims would be crying, bloody blue murder and racism. It is in the news because essentially it is reverse racism and it needs to be in the news! If I walk into a business establishment I expect to be served and treated with courtesy. Religion, beliefs should be put aside when it comes to everday business, service etc.It's all well and good to be open minded and respect others for their relgion etc. but as I said before it needs to be reciprocated.
    2. zane posted on 11/15/2012 11:57 AM
      @barb I haven't heard anyone say that she wasn't treated with courtesy? So lets say she was, and politely told that unfortunately they couldn't cut her hair because of their beliefs. She could have voiced her opinion and then move on to another barber.

      I don't think it's unreasonable to state that he can't cut her hair because of his beliefs. If however, she was turned away because she was a lesbian, then I would take issue with that.

      It really just comes down to her understanding that it's not personal.

      Not cutting someones hair because they're gay or wear a Berka/Hijab would be making it personal, and I would completely support someone taking that situation to the Human Rights Commission.

      Just my two cents.

      Have a great day.
    3. mz posted on 11/15/2012 12:01 PM
      @barb I find it interesting how you equate this to racism when it has nothing to do with racism. However your former statement about a non Muslim refusing service to Muslims just due to the fact that they are muslims, that is the definition of racism. I urge you to learn more about why the barber refused before you make comments that come across as hateful or to some even racist because that just reflects badly on you and also deflates whatever argument you were trying to make.
    4. mz posted on 11/15/2012 12:01 PM
      @barb I find it interesting how you equate this to racism when it has nothing to do with racism. However your former statement about a non Muslim refusing service to Muslims just due to the fact that they are muslims, that is the definition of racism. I urge you to learn more about why the barber refused before you make comments that come across as hateful or to some even racist because that just reflects badly on you and also deflates whatever argument you were trying to make.
    5. barb posted on 11/15/2012 12:19 PM
      @mz Oh please. First off my comments don't come across as hateful, second I am so not a racist, you are way off and overstepped your thoughts on me.! Maybe the barber would like to come forward and state his cas because MY thoughts and opinions count too! They don't reflect badly on me and they do not deflate my argument. Your unfounded comments to me deflate your argument. I am simply saying what is true. You are allowed to see things the way you do and so am I. I truly believe that you can't turn someone away from a business or do what you like in the name of religion, plain and simple. Do not refer to me as a stupiod racist because that makes you very wrong. Also, you may see yourself as the champion of all, but you are no more caring or thoughtful than myself and many others who agree with me.
    6. mz posted on 11/15/2012 01:42 PM
      @barb First of all I never called you a racist, I was referring to how your comment may be perceived. I was actually sincerely trying to help, "but now the mood all changed". Secondly I find your response amusing especially this part, "They don't reflect badly on me and they do not deflate my argument. Your unfounded comments to me deflate your argument.", because it makes no sense and reminds me of my little nephew when he says "I know you are but what am I." I find the tone of your response and my nephew's favorite phrase very similar. So let me elaborate on why your statement makes no sense. I never even presented an argument in our convo. and thus it can not be deflated. As for your other statement, "I truly believe that you can't turn someone away from a business or do what you like in the name of religion, plain and simple", this is a blanket statement and I think it really depends on the situation. Lastly, your last statement also made no sense cuz frankly you dont know me and you know what they say about making assumptions.
    7. barb posted on 11/15/2012 01:58 PM
      @mz WOW! Talk about reminding you of what your little nephew says....Read your convoluted comment. You may not think of me as the intellectual, liberal as you seem to think you are, but as I said before I am entitled to my opinions and they are not hateful or as you say "to some even racist". You are right I don't know you and you don't know me, so don't YOU make blanket assumptions or statements yourself.
    8. barb posted on 11/15/2012 02:25 PM
      @zane Zane, I am female and I would take it awfully personally if someone refused me service on the basis of my gender, that is very personla, gay or not. Just my two cents. Thanks you, you have a lovely day as well.
    9. mz posted on 11/15/2012 07:31 PM
      @barb LOL! You did it again. Thanks for labeling me an intellectual liberal whatever that means.
      P.S. You should look up the definition of convoluted.
    10. Barb posted on 11/15/2012 09:20 PM
      @mz Why don't you explain it to me Einstein. You really are an arrogant jerk. Believe me, I certainly don't see you as an intellectual Liberal, that would be your job. You are a complete jack ass! Or should I look that up too?
    11. Barb posted on 11/15/2012 09:22 PM
      @mz Why don't you explain it to me Einstein. You really are an arrogant jerk. Believe me, I certainly don't see you as an intellectual Liberal, that would be your job. You are a complete jack ass! Or should I look that up too?
    12. Barb posted on 11/15/2012 09:56 PM
      @mz Oh,and before I forget, when I said your message was convoluted I meant it was convoluted, as are most of the messages you have posted Why don't you look it up? When you're done try and get over yourself.
    13. mz posted on 11/16/2012 09:08 AM
      @Barb u mad bro?

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