August 24, 2007
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Banning Fat Chicks
An overweight woman was banned from a bar recently because she was overweight.
Jenny Dionne was at the bar but then left for a smoke break. She wasn’t allowed back in. She said that one of the staff of the bar said she wasn’t allowed back in because she was overweight.
Dionne wrote a letter to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. She felt she was wrongly discriminated against. The response of the commission was they couldn’t do anything unless her weight was due to a disability. She was shocked that it wasn’t considered discrimination. Here is the link: Link
Is it discrimination to not allow overweight people in a bar?
Comments (142)
Duh.
Um, yeah!
make the door thinner.
It’s not very nice, but if it has to be a disability she’s out of luck.
Also, what kind of bar makes you go outside to smoke?
Completely! That’s just like telling somebody that they can’t come into the bar because they are black. It’s the same thing. BULLSHIT!
If the bar didn’t want fat people in, then she should not have let inside in the first place. She definately has a valid case.
It is discrimination – whether or not it subscribes to the technical definition is not for me to say. But most bars do reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. And it’s not because of skin color or religion or a disability, I guess…
But on a slightly optimistic side of looking at it, maybe it’ll encourage her to lose weight and improve her health…after all, usually no one WANTS to be overweight, but you can do something about it…
-David
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission!!! answers the question, not what applies in the United States. Legally, in Nova Scotia it may not be unreasonable discrimination. In the U.S. it definiately is.
Yep!
Where is Nova Scotia?
1. Turn away paying customers for seemingly innocuous reasons.
2. Watch my clientele dwindle.
3. ????????
4. Profit!
yes! good lord! why does the question have to be asked?
nova scotia is in CANADA
Where’s Canada?
Yeah; the real question is, should the bar be allowed to do that?
Again, I’d say yes.
yes it is.
No! And I have always been a firm believer that there should be a weight limit at certain if not all restaurants. If Americans can’t control themselves and keep healthy then it has to be done for them. Obesity is rampant for a reason.
yea.. Did that bar ever think that there is alot of us that are overweight?? It is really matter of opinion if you are overweight as one person will think not as other will think that..
Yeah.
Yes, but it being a private business they have their rights to do whatever. Anyway, unless the lady is on medication that makes it hard for her to loose weight or she has a gland problem then it’s her own fault she’s fat and should shut up and loose the weight if she wants to go the pub so much. There are other ones around if she doesn’t want to loose the weight.
Completely! That’s just like telling somebody that they can’t come into the bar because they are black. It’s the same thing. BULLSHIT!
8/24/2007 1:56 PM
needtogetthin
No, it’s not. One is born black. Like I said, unless she has a gland problem or is on serious meds then it’s her own fault she’s overweight.
Um.. yes???
my husband once made the remark that overweight is the new racism, and it’s true! this is a perfect example of people judging people by their outer appearance and determining what rights they are or are not entitled to solely upon that. Ridiculous- I hope this woman is able to successfully appeal.
It’s actually quite ironic since alcohol can cause obesity.
Yes, however the bar should be able to discriminate against whoever they want to for whatever reason they want to. If she doesn’t like it then she should start a movement to get people to boycott that bar. The Goverment should have better things to do than emforce antidiscrimination policies.
Yeah, but what’s wrong with discrimination?
that’s crazy…
Sorry, No Fatties…
you know those signs “we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone”. i guess they’re not kidding. although should she really be surprised? don’t bouncers stand outside and only let the pretty people in to the hottest bars? or maybe that’s just on tv.
RYC: my doctor’s an idiot. anything else i say would definitely come back to bite me in my arse.
wow.
Now where is my “No Fat Chicks” shirt.
Yes, it’s discriminatory. It’s also bad business. I wonder how many guys with beer guts they turn away. It seems to me that overweight women are discriminated against more than overweight men.
They should ban fat people from McDonald’s. Actually they should just close that place down for good!
hmmm
people in general shouldn’t be drinking at all, anyways.
(in response to multiple questions posted above)
Nova Scotia is a province on the eastern side of Canada. Smoking is illegal in public places. Well, I know it is here in Newfoundland. I’m pretty sure it’s the same for the majority of Canada now.
I think it’s wrong that they kicked her out because of her weight. Very wrong. Though weight is something that people can and should work on. Just like people should work on their alcohol addictions. There are also a lot of unhealthy UNDERweight people. Maybe they should kick them out too? =/
Why are so many people on here so hateful, thinking that this woman deserved the way she was treated just because she’s overweight? Yes, it is discrimination! You have no right to make asinine assumptions about anyone because of his or her size unless you have been overweight due to a genetic, medical, or psychological reason and successfully dieted yourself into a size 2 pair of jeans (oh, and kept the weight off, too). Losing weight is not easy. I have watched my best friend struggle with this for years and it kills me that people are so quick to hate and judge. Try to have some compassion, please.
Thats wrong. Where do we draw the line with it?
RYC- I don’t like disney…. to hot, I hate rides, and when I went last may I didn’t have that great of a time. So I’m thinking going there won’t make me happy. Moving to IL will though!
yes, but it’s for her own good.
Yes its discrimination, but I feel there is nothing wrong with it. Lets look at other forms of discrimination. Do you have control over your birthplace? No. Ethnicity? No. Race? No. Gender? No. Sexuality? No.
Political Stance? Yes. Opinions? Yes. Weight? Hmmmm….
Yes, they have a right to kick fat people out.
No. Know why?
Because it’s not discrimmination to let someone in because their hair is too long/too short, because they have piercings/tattoos, or because their clothes are offensive.
It’s not like she didn’t choose to get fat. You don’t get fat by accident.
Fat rights are just plain dangerous. There’s a reason 50% of people will die of heart disease.
I’d like to point out that regardless of a person trying to loseweight or not, they didn’t start off obese. Lack of exercise habits / poor eating habits / diets caused the obesity.
I don’t see many overweight canadians…
ANyhow, where’s the post abotu Fidel Castro’s alleged croaking?!
How can being fat be a disability?
sounsd like a bad business decision. fat people eat and drink more.
I live in a smoke free state and smokers are claiming the same thing. They feel they are being disciminated against because they are smokers.
I’m not familar enough with Canadian law to answer your question.
yeah, but it doesn’t mean its wrong ; )
1) Obviously it’s discrimination.
2) I am of the position that anyone establishment should be able to ban whatever type of people. In a free-market, capitalist system, they’re only hurting themselves (unless they find a niche with people who feel similarly).
3) If I made some of my profits off of customer consumption, I don’t think I’d ban fat people.
4) I feel like the whole story isn’t being told.
Completely! That’s just like telling somebody that they can’t come into the bar because they are black. It’s the same thing. BULLSHIT!
<LI class=itemtimestamp>8/24/2007 1:56 PM
<LI class=itemsubmitter>needtogetthin (message)
Umm, no it’s not the same thing.
yes, it is.
but i kind of thought it was funny…
So what if she’s overweight? No, it’s unhealthy, but why does it matter if she’s in a bar or not? Really, that’s just silly.
Of course it’s discrimination.
The bigger you are the more alcohol you can consume without getting intoxicated, right?
So here the bigger have the advantage!
That is bullshit. We live in such a sex-starved world and its disgusting that businesses are allowed to discriminate like that. But they do, just like how ordinary looking people are made to wait in lines to get into clubs while beautiful people are whisked right in.
Bars and clubs don’t exist to drink or dance. They exist to give people the illusion that they will get fucked by someone inside. Personally, I think that’s pretty pathetic.
I would think so.
businesses have the legal right to refuse service, unless it is for racial reasons or reasons of disability.
true fact!
now, whether such should be the case is a different matter….
Bars and clubs don’t exist to drink or dance. They exist to give people the illusion that they will get fucked by someone inside. Personally, I think that’s pretty pathetic.
-B_Marclar
Agreed.
4) I feel like the whole story isn’t being told.
-stuartandabby
That’s probably true.
saintvi makes a good point, though, in that she could claim gender issue…
It’s a fucking private owned business, they can do whatever they want. Next thing you know I can sue someone because I “felt” discriminated when someone didn’t want me in their house since I am a fat ugly bitch.
There is a difference between “real” discrimination, and not just wanted to be around or liked. If someone doesn’t want you around because of something that is of you, get the fuck over it.
Good night in the morning time people!! Of course it is! Being black or Jewish or older is not a disability…I don’t know what the Human Rights people were talking about (Canadian or not)! And…those who have been reading your blog for over a year know where you stand concerning overweight people, women especially. Keep em off the beach. Apparently we gotta keep em out of the bar too. My blood is still boiling over this one!
SIXTIETH!
I wonder those of you who say these things about obese people would feel the same way about them if them being obese posed a safety risk to the location. e.g. Theatre seating being too small for them, so they would get turned away (yes this happens). What about smoking?
YES – this is absolutely ridiculous!
“Next thing you know I can sue someone because I “felt” discriminated when someone didn’t want me in their house since I am a fat ugly bitch.”
setting aside the part about suing…..If someone actually told someone else they didn’t want them around because they were a “fat ugly bitch”, i would highly recommend they not set foot anywhere near the person who said it. It shows a severe lack of respect and maturity. I don’t care how fat or unnatractive someone is, if you say to them that they’re fat and ugly, you’re just plain cruel. and if you say a woman is a “bitch” just because she’s a woman, you’re not only cruel but very stupid! I wouldn’t even want to be in a place of business or someone’s house if they were like that. Some people need to learn some respect!
And judging people for being overweight is stupid too. Mind your own damn business! (aparantly that’s too har for some people though…..)
I am honestly so tired of people thinking that just because someone’s overweight it means they eat a lot of bad food. It’s simply not true.
I was obese for a long time. I ate well, for the most part. About like the average person. I tried every diet in the world and couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I had a thyroid problem. A severe case of hypothyroidism. Between that and getting “chubby genes” I was pretty much outta luck.
I had to work hard to get where I am now… a size 8/10, and I can’t get off my meds. And some still consider me fat. I think it’s horrible.
Yes, this is discrimination. Turning someone away for such a reason is just mean and rude. Who would be so unkind and unreasonable?
Hell, yeah.
WHAT! yes, that is definitely discrimination.
Yes. But what are you going to do about it?
Being fat can’t be a protected class because it is not something you are born, have no choice over, or is related to a persons culture, etc
Protected classes in the US are Race, Ethnicity, Color, Religion, National Origin, Age, Sex, Familial Status, Sexual Orientation, Disability and Veteran status. Notice that none of them are related to something they can control (unless you want to take issue with sexual orientation).
While you shouldn’t discriminate against anyone, especially not in this fashion, it is not one of those things we can make a law because in reality it’s equally as arbitrary as say, making it illegal to discriminate against people who have long hair.
- Justin
Yes it is absolutely discrimination. And I agree that overweight in the new racism.
ButifulDisaster19
Ummmm, that was supposed to hypothetical. Not to be taken literal. Very stupid, indeed.
I’m not saying it was right that she received the boot; but I’m not going to oppress someone because they just don’t like certain people.
Anyway, from what you have stated, running my home or business how I would like is considered wrong because I hurt your feelings? It’s capitalism, baby. If you want to take my freedoms of personal preference on what I like done with my business or anything I worked for to fulfill my pursuit of happiness(whatever it happens to be), you stand for anything but democracy. And, hence, you are no different than the ones who kicked her out and disengaged the woman of her own personal happiness.
If you want to express yourself, I would suggest learning how to type better-by means of writing complete sentences with correct punctuation. Also, learn to read between the lines before you jump to “whacked” conclusions. But, hey, it’s a democracy, say whatever the hell you want in any form of manner.
Um. Yeah. It is discrimination.
This is to all those people saying “well it’s for her own good, she’s unhealthy. blah blah.”
The last time I checked, you can’t deny someone access to a place because they have diabetes or something. That’s also unhealthy, but if you were to deny someone access to a restaurant or something it would be cruel and uncalled for.
I will also note that not all fat people sit around and eat burgers all the time. I’m overweight. I’ve been a vegetarian for six years, I hike daily, and I really watch what I eat. I don’t drink soda, or eat salt, EVER, or excessive sweets. I’ve been like that for YEARS, but I’m still overweight. I have been since I was a small child.
Okay, so I’m fat. And I don’t do everything in my power to control it. But I try.
Before you make a snap judgment on how lazy I am,
I also have a health condition that limits how much excersise I can obtain. I have alot of scar tissue in my lungs and thus a lessened capacity. I can’t always compensate for the oxygen I lose, and because of that I can’t run for miles like you health-nuts. I’d like to drop a few pounds but the process is rather slow for me.
I also don’t sit around and bitch over how fat and gross I am. It doesn’t do you any good. You can be fat and happy with your curves.
This is how ALOT of people feel! You can live your life however you want to, and you DON’T need to be tiny to be happy or have friends.
OR GO TO A BAR!
I think all of you who are sitting back and laughing or thinking that this is a good thing are sick and have no compassion.
ignoranceis
Exactly!
captain_jaq
Some of the comments made here were rather ridiculous, huh?
no, it’s bad for their business. They want a certain type of person to come to the bar, and they also don’t want to replace bar stools.
I’m having a hard time understanding all these people who arbitrarily state that “being fat is something you can control.” You have no problem stating that people can be genetically disposed to homosexuality, but don’t even seem to consider that people can be genetically disposed to obesity. What’s wrong with this supposedly liberal, tolerant, diversity-loving generation? Overweight,white, heterosexual Christian women may as well find a cave and retire from the world because society obviously has no use for them.
Yeah
Um… yeh…
But for myself, not being over weight takes a lot of work. I would understand if it was a problem that she couldn’t control. But if it was something lets say, poor eating habits, it’s her problem.
Sooo, get a move on!
&& btw, I come from a family who has poor eating habits and has to change the way the eat because of the consequences. I hate being fat.
It’s discrimination but should be allowed in circumstances like this. Establishments like that succeed or fail to some extent based on the image their patrons convey. The famous nightclub Studio 54 for example ascended to glory based to a good degree on the notion that their clientele were the “beautiful people” this image being ruthlessly enforced by door bouncers who decided precisely who was beautiful enough to get in and who wasn’t.
Um… yes? What the hell?
GunStarHero1988
First, i knew what you were saying was hypothetical.
Second, I understand how businesses are run. They obviously can choose who to let in and not and while that’s not necesarily right, that’s the way it is. All i was trying to say was, anyone with half a brain would know not to go to a place where they won’t let you in for being a “fat ugly bitch”. They have every right to deny people, but smart people wouln’t even try to get into those pathetic places.
“If you want to express yourself, I would suggest learning how to type better-by means of writing complete sentences with correct punctuation.”
It’s good of you to be mature. I’m so glad I’m not a grammar freak! I know I don’t use proper grammar, complete sentences and correct punctation all the time. I’m not perfect and i won’t pretend to be. And anyone on this site who gets their panties in a bunch over others’ incorrect grammar are hypocrites because they can’t be perfect either. GOOD LORD!!!
How’d she get in in the first place?
’nuff said…
ugh.
It’s discrimination, but it would be easier to just make the door a bit thinner.
I can’t believe Gunstar lectured someone on the use of proper grammar.
Wow, I can’t believe someone did that.
YES
That woman has every right to be upset.
Discrimination against the overweight/obese is the last acceptable form of prejudice, and is extremely shallow and unfair.
Hey, maybe it’s good motivation.
Being fat is not like being black lol u dnt go on a diet to get whiter. wtf. She may be an insurance liability if she gets drunk. Imagine a drunk wreckin ball comin at u while u r havin a beer.
Yes, it is discrimination.
Yes, it should be permitted.
Yes it is.
We could not be seeing the whole picture here… perhaps a vodka & 7-up is $6, and the staff members were messing with her. Likely? No.
However, reading the article makes me doubt if anyone other than the bouncer called her fat… and I’d hardly be mad ’cause bouncers are there to be minorly insulting.
Business do have right to not let in (or allow back in) whom they will.
Was it wrong of them to not let her back in based solely on her weight? Of course.
But they still have the right to deny service to whomever.
I think private businesses can just deny people service for whatever reason. I mean, doormen at clubs do that.
Yes it is her fault for being overweight [unless it's genetic of course,] but that is still not a good reason to not allow her inside of the bar. Or any place. Very discriminatory.
DUH!
That is 100% discrimination. And 100% pathetic.
At least they didn’t call her a fat lesbian –
Yes! What does drinking in a bar have to do with their size? I bet they are the type that lets overweight men in to their bar but, not the same for the women.
Onehundredth!
that is definitely discrimination. Unless she was being unruly or something while in the bar, there’s no reason why she shouldn’t have been able to go back in.
Drakonskyr, I know of all people.
*Drakonskyr, I know. Of all people!
YES!
YES
Of course….
now that is amazing.
hahaha. right or wrong its funny as heck. she was prolly there cuz she knew there would be drunk guys… tho hmm… haha.
151 anyone?
What defines overweight? Is there a certain size that qualifies as overweight? Do the people at the bar have some scales to weigh you or do they simply look at your size and therefore cast judgements?
A lot of places in Canada are “smoke-free”. You can’t smoke in the bars in Ontario, or restaurants, or cabs or any public place or within so many feet of the door of a public place. You get used to it after a while.
And I’m sure she has proof this actually happened?? Have we replaced the “race card” with the “weight card”? Are overweight people going to start suing if they don’t get their way, responding to a denial towards their unruly request with an “is it because I’m fat?” This world is seriously falling apart.
“She may be an insurance liability if she gets drunk. Imagine a drunk wreckin ball comin at u while u r havin a beer.” – That’s mean, but it made me laugh out loud, seriously.
What about all the men with beer bellies?
Yeah, that’s messed up.
ignoranceis said: Yes. But what are you going to do about it? Being fat can’t be a protected class because it is not something you are born, have no choice over, or is related to a persons culture, etc Protected classes in the US are Race, Ethnicity, Color, Religion, National Origin, Age, Sex, Familial Status, Sexual Orientation, Disability and Veteran status. Notice that none of them are related to something they can control (unless you want to take issue with sexual orientation). While you shouldn’t discriminate against anyone, especially not in this fashion, it is not one of those things we can make a law because in reality it’s equally as arbitrary as say, making it illegal to discriminate against people who have long hair. – Justin
Hey dumbass… ones religion IS something one CAN control. No one is born a Christian, Buddhist, Pagan, Wiccan, ect. Such things are taught to a person or the person learns on their own. Then the person chooses whether or not they want to follow that religion. It is NOT something you are born with… YET it’s a “protected class” as you call it. So why shouldn’t one’s weight be a “protected class?”
I found the bar’s website… the one that she was kicked out of. If you go to the bar’s website in their photos section… http://www.thedome.ca/photos.html … you’ll see a possible reason why they didn’t let her back in. They evidently take pictures of patrons and post them on their website to show everyone what type of people go to The Dome. It appears that her appearance wouldn’t have been as appealing as the skinny, big breasted, provocatively dressed women that are featured on their website.
lol, awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
No, you idiots, it’s not about how you look.
Obesity = health problem
Drinking on top of that could cause further health problems.
Stop overeating and being irresponsible with your body.
Ummmm…..yes?
I also wanted to point out that, sure that girl is a big girl, but shes not huge like I thought they said she was gonna be. I see people that size every day anywhere I go. The staff of the bar needs to realize that this isn’t third grade anymore, this is the adult world and adults should have adult rights. AND she was let into the bar the first time, so what the hell?
I’m stunned. That is clearly discrimination and she should be able to sue that bar into bankruptcy.
What the hell? Yeah, it is. Why would someone do that?
i dont think so…
its only discrimination when the victim cant change their circumstances.
like people of another race
or with disabilities
that’s truly pathetic that they can’t help her because she isn’t considered obese. maybe she should write to somewhere else complaining about discrimination. the city perhaps?
Um…DUH!
Are you fucking kidding? YES!!!!!
hahahahhaha~~~
Haha that is so awesome.
fatty north americans get whats coming to them.
lol
they should pay overages cuz they tend to break the bar stools.
Ban fatties from everything, it will make them change.
Oh no! Moves towards becoming fit! How scary…just think.
Absolutely.
no. if you go to a club-type bar, they only let the REALLY good looking people in.
I’m thinkin’ maybe I want to take a measuring tape and only allow people in who are 5’5″ to 5’7″. I also think dark hair is better, and while I am at it, only those who are left-handed can come in.
I understand it is a private business, but when you run a business you really need to figure in who you are serving if you send customers out – yourself or them? We have had this same scenario before with the “English/No English” thing. I think I waver back and forth – depending on the circumstances. I need to make up my mind about this.
The other thought is that it shows a total lack of compassion on anyone who has not stopped to consider the feelings and the emotional damage that this girl has suffered. Shame on you! I would personally be devasted.
hmm.. that’s not very nice.
oh.. so i read the article.. and still confused over this simple matter: was she kicked out before she was told to lose weight.. or was she kicked out after the comment? .. the article was unclear, with its photo caption.
you pick up the craziest things. what a crazy business person runs that place! yes, discrimination. Bad business. And rude.
I hate people who say they can’t lose weight. As much as I piss and moan about it, I can, and I do lose weight. It’s not easy but I do it because fat slobs are nasty. Suck it up.
Like Homer once said, “No fat chicks”!
Wow… the ignorance of people just overwhelms me. Saying being fat is the same as being black, and therefore the same discrimination wise??? Who in the WORLD thinks up this stuff? Probably someone educated in a government school, that’s who. But I digress.
Look, it was probably not the smartest thing in the world to do, but it IS a private establishment, and that place can serve (or not serve) whomever they choose. When you get right down to it, that basic liberty DOES cover refusal based on ANY reason (race and sex included). However, intelligent people recognize those two are not acceptable reasons for discrimination. But it’s also because people do not CHOOSE to be black or white, male or female; people DO choose to be fat, regardless of whatever “disease” or condition they may allow themselves to be deluded into thinking they have, and therefore putting being banned from a place because one is overweight into the same category as being banned because that person is black is stupid and uneducated.
All that to say: stupid? Yes. Discrimination? To a point, but not the beligerant point others have made. Wouldn’t keep ME from going to the restaurant.
100% discrimination.
Fat people is the last unprotected group.
i think it’s discrimination
I would rather rub elbows with a fat person than a drunk person. Ignorance comes in all forms, who cares how fat someone is? People should spend more time worrying about themselves than the body weight of others…discrimination comes in all forms, dicrimination is ignorant accross the board. It is amazing that ignorant people are even given the time of day. Everyone should work on accepting themselves and boosting their own self esteem, then they would be less likely to worry about the way others look.
of course it’s discrimination… da???!!
especially seeing this case was “unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice” (wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)
Yes. If they ban overweight people, then they should ban ugly people too.
*That was sarcasm.*
DUR.
let’s review. A Google define reveals discriminate to mean:
Definitions of discriminate on the Web:
* recognize or perceive the difference
* marked by the ability to see or make fine distinctions; “discriminate judgments”; “discriminate people”
* treat differently on the basis of sex or race
* distinguish; “I could not discriminate the different tastes in this complicated dish”
* noting distinctions with nicety; “a discriminating interior designer”; “a nice sense of color”; “a nice point in the argument”
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
* To discriminate is to make a distinction. There are several meanings of the word, including statistical discrimination, or the actions of a circuit called a `discriminator`. This article addresses the most common colloquial sense of the word, invidious discrimination. That is, irrational social, racial, religious, sexual, ethnic and age-related discrimination of people.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discriminate
* To show prejudice against
http://www.sitesalive.com/admin/glossary/sectD.html
* to act on the basis of prejudice
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/page/4759.html
Therefore on several accounts yes it is. Can she do anything about it, not really. Weight isnt protected as far as I’ve read.