JB Hi-Fi is said to be reaching out to the family who say James, who has Down syndrome, was refused entry at a JB Hi-Fi store. Photographer: Brendon Thorne

Victoria Milne took to Facebook to share her disgust after her brother, James, who has Down syndrome, was refused entry at JB Hi-Fi Mt Ommaney yesterday.

The post has gone viral and already received more than 30,000 likes and almost 20,000 shares.

Ms Milne, of Jindalee, told Quest Newspapers her father, Daryl, and James were stopped by security at the front door of the store when the guard stepped in front of James and said he wasn’t allowed in.

She said the guard produced his mobile phone and showed her father and the manager a picture of a man, who he believed to be James.

“It clearly wasn’t James, it was a lighter skinned boy with fair hair and James is half Fijian, so dark and tanned,” Ms Milne said.

“Basically the only similarities they had was that they both had Down syndrome.”

When her father pointed out the case of mistaken identity, the manager shrugged his shoulders and allegedly said, “Well, they all look the same”.

As a result of the escalating situation James became visibly upset and his father took him home.

James’ mum, Shiba, called the store demanding an apology from the manager, who allegedly replied that “he would never, ever, ever get an apology”.

Ms Milne said her brother was “the sweetest boy” who loved Ben 10 and The Wiggles.

Victoria and James Milne. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied

She said Down Syndrome Society Queensland also contacted the store manager and received the same response.

Ms Milne claims Down Syndrome Society Queensland also asked the family to take legal action.

“We are talking to legal aid at the request of the Down syndrome society Queensland because they don’t want this swept under the rug: it does happen and we want to bring it to light,” Ms Milne said.

The family have not had any contact with JB Hi-Fi since and would like, at the very least, an apology for James.

“I’ve heard the JB head office have been trying to get in contact with us to apologise but we haven’t received any contact from them whatsoever,” Ms Milne said.

“I don’t know what the culture is like at JB Hi-Fi but it’s not on and we’ve never experienced anything like this.”

Ipswich councillor Paul Tully (Div 2) expressed his disgust with the store, starting a petition online.

“That’s to ensure that this unlawful discrimination is ceased immediately and an apology is issued to the family involved,” Cr Tully said.

“I’m appalled by this action by the store at Mt Ommaney (and) I’m urging the family to take legal action.

“This is a breach of both state and federal law and it should not be tolerated anywhere in Australia.”

JB Hi-Fi said that they were currently reaching out to the family.

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