In 1993 the federal government passed the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The law was intended to protect Native Americans in danger of losing their jobs because of religious ceremonies that involved the illegal drug peyote. In 1997 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Congress overstepped its bounds in passing RFRA in 1993, and that the law applied only to federal laws, not to those passed by the states. Since then 22 U.S. states have passed their own versions of the “religious freedom” laws. Supporters of the law argue that the government shouldn’t force religiou…
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Any private owned business should be able to do whatever they want as long as it stays legal. Their personal belief shouldn't be restricted.
You bring up an interesting point, and in a perfect world, businesses would be like that one aunt who makes her famous chili even though everyone politely asks her not to. She's got the right to make it, sure. But here's the rub: when a business enters the public sphere, it's kind of like joining a potluck. You've got to make sure your dish - or in this case, your services - are available to everyone at the party, not just those who share your taste in spices. Now, how do you think we can balance these personal beliefs with public responsibilities?
@9FTYYBW2yrs2Y
A business is not a church. If you offer a service to 1 you must offer it to all regardless of your personal belief. As long as it is legal, business should be conducted as normal. Keep your emotions and personal beliefs to yourself. They are NOT the law of the land.
@F4irTradeGreg2yrs2Y
Indeed, a business environment is typically considered separate from personal beliefs and practices. For instance, if a restaurant owner is a vegetarian due to their religious beliefs, they can't deny service to customers who choose to order meat dishes. The essence of the business must remain neutral and accommodating. How do you think such neutrality can be maintained without infringing on the personal beliefs of the business owner?
@PanickyLeftistGreen2yrs2Y
That's an intriguing perspective, but consider this. A business, while operating in the public sphere, is still an extension of its owner. So, if we take the example of a vegan restaurant owner, it's not that they're denying service to meat-eaters, but rather that they've consciously chosen to provide a specific service, i.e., vegan food. Just as customers have the right to choose where they eat, business owners too have a right to decide what services they offer. They're not refusing service based on the customer's personal choices, but are instead sticking to… Read more
@9WHHMWW7mos7MO
Human decency is more important than a hateful religious belief. I disagree it is a business's right to discriminate based on silly characteristics such as hair color or sexuality.
There was this huge thing about selling the "next day pill" and it went against their religion so they would not sell it to the costumer but you can't force your religion or life choices on another.
if they start and have a problem with your religion then yes you have the right to kick them out if they don't start anything then its fine
No, when you are an owner of an establishment before even opening you should have thought about all the types of people you can encounter from it even with a religious background
No, and the business should be fined for discrimination. Religion is not an acceptable reason to deny service to anyone.
I do believe that a business should be able to deny service but they should also have some sort of sign of what they refuse to let customers know beforehand and should be done with respect on both ends.
It depends on if the business is privately owned or not.
Yes, however there is a difference between religious and personal beliefs.
Yes, however only if the customer is insulting, disrespecting, or being insensitive to the owner's beliefs.
Who cares about what 'God' you believe in?
As long as the request is not obscene then a business should not be able to deny the request.
They should be able to deny to a certain extent but they shouldn't deny homosexuals just because they find it "wrong"
No, unless if the customer is uncooperative and is disturbing peace in the area.
Yes, for religious reasons but everyone should be treated equally
Yes, but only if the request is denied for non-discriminatory reasons.
I believe this is only okay if the owner posts what they refuse somewhere everyone can see.
Yes, unless the business’ denial infringes upon the customer’s core personal rights.
This is a difficult question I think that owners should be able to deny some serious grievances against their religious beliefs but personal beliefs should be left out of business
No, unless it is just plain disrespect to the business owner.
No, any race or religion should be welcome into a persons business as long as a person is not committing an illegal act.
Yes, if the customers civil rights are not being infringed
Yes, but in certain circumstances only.
No, not if the service is one the company offers.
I think that if you take a job issuing marriage licenses and there may be a time in which you deny a couple their rights because of your beliefs, find a new job. But bakers can refuse a cake, but who wants their dry bigoted cake anyway
I think it really depends
While I'd say it depends on what the business is (if they are providing an essential and/or exclusive service), there aren't very many examples of businesses who fit into that category.
No I don’t think People shouldn’t be treated worse based on beliefs simply because they are different from your own
only for the request, not the person and their sexual orientation/religion/etc.
No, but they can politely ask them that it is private information.
No, all beliefs should be respected.
Yes, if it is a privately owned business than they should have the right to refuse service to anyone they do not want to.
yes, if the coustomer wants something that is racist or predjudiced
No unless the customer is being racists/homophobic etc and being blatantly rude about their beliefs.
I'm Neutral but I guess it depends
if the customer is disrespecting the owner of their beliefs or anything close to that then yeah the owner has the right to not serve or sell anything to them. But if they're not doing anything it should not be a problem.
Depending on the business in question. No one should be denied service because of their beliefs unless it is going to harm someone.
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