Transgender shopper to file complaint against bridal shop

A transgender bride who was not allowed to try on wedding gowns at a shop in Saskatoon says she will be filing a formal human rights complaint.

Rohit Singh said her experience, at Jenny's Bridal Boutique, deeply affected her, in part because she had higher expectations of Canada.

"I like to say Canada is so acceptable [with] equal rights for everyone," Singh told CBC News. "At least they should learn a lesson, so after seeing this no other bridal store — or any store — will do this in the future like they did with me."

Saskatchewan's human rights commissioner David Arnot told CBC News Friday any discrimination, whether it is direct or indirect that a transgender person experiences as the result of a store's policy or rule, is still a human rights violation.

"We live in a multicultural, multidimensional Saskatchewan and these cases are increasing," Arnot said. "We are noticing more and more transgender cases, particularly cases of bullying of at the high school level. We also are aware that Transgender Saskatchewan is very concerned about this. We have met with them."

The process, after a complaint is filed, could lead to the commission offering to mediate the issue between the two parties.

If the complaint is not resolved at that stage the commission could have the case go to a hearing to determine if the complaint has merit and, if so, what should happen.

It is a process that can take years, but Singh said she is prepared for that, adding she does not think she is asking for too much.

"We don't need anything from anyone," Singh said. "We just need a little respect. That's it."

The owner of the bridal shop said she was concerned some customers in the store would be uncomfortable with Singh trying on gowns.