Charlotte was born a male but started living as a female at age 29. Following her sex reassignment surgery, Charlotte experienced physical and emotional abuse in a relationship, and she was referred to an organization that assists battered women. Several years later, she responded to an advertisement for volunteers at a rape crisis centre. Being a woman was stipulated as a job qualification. During the training session, someone identified her as a person who had not always been a female, based solely on her appearance, and Charlotte was asked to leave. Charlotte filed an application with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.

a) What is the alleged ground of discrimination?

b) In your opinion, did the employer contravene the Code? Explain your answer.