Ragged Ass Barbers refused Evie Ruddy's request for a traditional men's haircut
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REGINA - A Regina barbershop that serves only men has become the target of threats and insults after refusing a woman who requested a "hard part" men's haircut.
Ragged Ass Barbers, on its website, describes the shop as "providing exceptional grooming services for men in a unique atmosphere geared specifically to men.�
After two years of operating and building a word of mouth reputation in Regina, the barbershop attracted the interest of Evie Ruddy, who told reporters she had requested a "hard part" traditional men's haircut but was refused. Her rejection prompted about a dozen women to call the shop for appointments in protest.
"[Ms. Ruddy] has been wronged," said Claire Carter, assistant professor of women�s and gender studies at the University of Regina.
"If she was coming in asking for what is traditionally known as a more feminine haircut, I think they would have more rational, [because] that's not the service they provide. But she was asking for a service that they actually promote.
"They want to say that they can promote a certain kind of style, but they want to discriminate against women," Ms. Carter said.
The incident has sparked such a heated debate in the city that now neither side is talking.
Ms. Ruddy told the Leader-Post this week that she would not do more interviews after receiving threats, forcing her to shut down her Twitter account.
Ragged Ass Barbers was closed Tuesday and a voicemail at the shop was full.
On its facebook page, barbershop employees thanked the public for its show of support but also asked for a civil discussion about the matter.
"We understand this topic has sparked a passionate response on all sides, but name-calling, threats and insults are not what we condone," the post reads. "They are neither constructive, nor are they ever the start of a peaceful resolution."
Supporters of Ragged Ass Barbers were comparing the barbershop to women-only gyms to point out what they saw as hypocrisy.
Curves International, the largest chain of fitness centres for women, encourages franchisees "to abide by state and local laws with regard to membership, including equal access for men where required."
Tracy Thompson, who owns two Regina Curves locations and manages another, said she has never had a man inquire about a membership in her three years with the gym.
"Should a man decide to join Curves, we would let him. It's the law. However, it could place an uncomfortable tension in our centres for both male and female members," Ms. Thompson said.
David Arnot, chief commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, said safety concerns could factor in to those types of gender-specific policies.
Mr. Arnot wouldn't say whether his office had received a complaint, nor would he comment on the specific case.
He did say, however, that the case against Jenny's Bridal Boutique in Saskatoon set a precedent in terms of discrimination education. The commission ruled that the store violated the province's human rights code by refusing to serve a transgender person shopping for a wedding dress.
"If you purport to discriminate against a person based on their gender, you run afoul of the human rights code," Mr. Arnot said.
"Every case is different and every case has nuances to it."
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