A human rights tribunal in Quebec has ruled that Station10 hair salon must pay $500 to a non-binary client, Alexe Frédéric Migneault, who filed a complaint due to the salon's online booking system that mandated selecting either 'male' or 'female' without an option for non-binary clients. The salon's co-owner, Alexis Labrecque, expressed his concern over the ruling, stating that the website’s limitations stemmed from its design in 2023 and they had promptly added a non-gender option shortly after the complaint. Despite the remedial actions taken by the salon, the tribunal favored the complainant, indicating a significant precedent potentially impacting other small businesses with similar booking practices.

Labrecque argued that this ruling poses a substantial risk for businesses that traditionally categorize clients by gender, fearing they could face similar legal complaints for not being inclusive. He highlighted that the requirement to select a gender is common across many service industries, and the consequences of the ruling extend beyond just his hair salon. This case serves as a reminder about the evolving social expectations regarding gender identity and the responsibilities businesses have to adapt their practices accordingly.

On the other hand, Migneault expressed satisfaction with the ruling, viewing it as a victory for non-binary individuals and part of a crucial discussion surrounding gender inclusivity in society. This ruling not only validates the challenges faced by non-binary individuals but also emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices within public-facing services. As society progresses towards greater awareness and understanding of diverse gender identities, businesses will need to reconsider how they engage with and accommodate clients from all walks of life.