Refusal To Permit Rainbow Sticker On Volunteer Name Badge Not Discrimination

The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal (the "Tribunal") recently dismissed a discrimination claim filed by Peter Zanette against the Ottawa Chamber Music Society operating as Ottawa Chamberfest ("Chamberfest"). In Zanette v Ottawa Chamber Music Society, decided on July 15, 2024, the Applicant, Zanette, a long-time volunteer, alleged discrimination with respect to employment because of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression after he was asked to remove a rainbow sticker from his volunteer name badge. In that regard, Zanette alleged that the Chamberfest's refusal to allow him to affix the rainbow sticker to his name badge was discriminatory. The Tribunal found no evidence of discrimination, and concluded that Chamberfest's actions were consistent with its uniform policy.