Cabbie's guide dog refusal 'discriminatory'
Rights tribunal concerned taxis not meeting obligations

Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, November 01, 2006

NORTH VANCOUVER - A blind man who claims he was discriminated against by a Muslim cab driver who said his religious beliefs prohibited him from allowing the man's certified guide dog into the taxi will have his case heard before the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.

In a decision published Tuesday, the tribunal concluded Bruce Gilmour's discrimination complaint has a "reasonable prospect of success" and ordered the matter to proceed to a full hearing.

The complaint dates to Jan. 19, when Gilmour called North Shore Taxi for a ride and driver Behzad Saidy was dispatched to the call.

A heated dispute occurred after Saidy refused to allow the guide dog into his cab.

Saidy has since filed a statement to the tribunal written by a Muslim cleric that says Islam has some restrictions about certain animals, including dogs. But, the tribunal noted, the statement does not outline what those restrictions are.

Representatives with North Shore Taxi, meanwhile, said approximately 50 per cent of its drivers are unable to take animals in their taxis because of medical issues or religious beliefs.

In his affidavit, Gilmour said taxi drivers have frequently refused to take his guide dog.

Tribunal member Lindsay Lyster said the allegations "raise concerns about whether North Shore Taxi is meeting its obligations to accommodate blind and other disabled persons."