After one read through and no background research I would be inclinded to say that it sounds to me like a case of beurocracy sticking to it's rules rather than discrimination. Having had first hand experience with beurocracy (I'm a member of the Steering Committee for my union) I can tell you that if the Board enforce their rules like Steering enforce the union's then thats what it'll be (although we do it mostly to ensure fair elections and keep the union from being politicised as so many have become these days). We have however been known to make exceptions where we felt it was warrented (although please don't tell the officers that or they'll never leave us alone!).