Argentine Court Orders Restaurant to Pay Compensation for Discriminating Against Autistic Child with Assistance Dog

Argentina's judiciary confirmed a multi‑million‑dollar compensation award against a restaurant that refused entry to a child with autism spectrum disorder and his assistance dog. The court ruled the denial constituted discrimination, violating the child's fundamental rights to dignity, equality, inclusion and participation. The judgment includes moral damages and an additional economic sanction intended to punish the conduct and deter similar incidents. The restaurant appealed, arguing the penalty was disproportionate, but the appellate court upheld the original decision, emphasizing that denying access to a person with a disability accompanied by a service animal is a punishable discriminatory act. The case is being cited as a precedent for accessibility and inclusion obligations of public‑facing establishments in Argentina.