Woman born without hands kicked out of BC bookstore for not masking

A Vancouver woman who was born with no hands was kicked out of an Indigo Chapters bookstore location for not wearing a mask. When attempting to explain her medical disability exemption, staff threatened to call the police.

Elisabeth Walker-Young is a four-time Paralympic swimmer. She was denied entry to a Vancouver Indigo location for not wearing a mask. Walker-Young is physically unable to put on a mask because she was born with no hands, according to Global News.

The Order of Canada recipient said, "When I am out with my daughter or my husband, they will help me put on a mask. But when I am out in the world independently, I just can't do it."

"It's just not fair. I am not an anti-masker. I actually don't go out often because I am trying not to make people feel uncomfortable, which is an awful way to navigate the world," said Walker-Young.

This news comes just a week after Indigo Chapters turned away an autistic boy from entering the store for his not wearing a mask. Like Walker-Young, the boy had a medical exemption.

The autistic boy's mother is now filing a Human Rights complaint in British Columbia.

Indigo has said they are sticking with their current policies. "In making the decision to update our mask policy, we've been mindful of our legal obligations, especially those relating to customer human rights. At Indigo, we deeply respect the rights and distinct needs of each of our customers," said Indigo in an email.