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Jenna Talackova of Vancouver is shown in a video interview at the 2010 Miss International Queen Competition in Thailand. The transgendered blond kicked out of the Miss Universe Canada pageant is urging her supporters to sign an online petition calling for her reinstatement.

Donald Trump says his Miss Universe pageant is working on rules that will determine if transgendered contestants from countries other than Canada will be eligible to participate.

"We're working on those rules right now, we're going to make that decision, because every country has different laws," Mr. Trump said in an interview in Toronto. "This is a very new subject in terms of law."

The issue attracted international attention after Canadian Jenna Talackova sought to participate.

"Jenna, based on the laws of Canada, was allowed to participate and we opened it up for her," Mr. Trump said.

The publicity surrounding the controversy has helped to sell tickets to the Miss Canada pageant, Mr. Trump added.

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