SCOTUS allows businesses to discriminate against LGBT customers

[Copernicus]

Yes, I can agree with that. The florist has every right as a private citizen not to attend gay weddings. He can join demonstrations that protest the legality of such weddings. He can refuse to shake hands with his gay friend. (The gay customer in this case was apparently a longstanding customer in his store.) But can he exempt his business from an anti-discrimination law because of his religious beliefs as a private citizen? That is the relevant question here. Does the law apply to him as a private citizen or him as a business owner? Or is there no difference?

What if he wasn't incorporated but was a sole proprietorship, so there was no difference between him as an individual and the business of the flowers? Would it the anti-discrimination law apply then?

My understanding is that private clubs can discriminate. Businesses that serve the general public and that depend on government services for their business may not. That florist needs taxpayers to provide the infrastructure under which his business can operate at a profit, so it is required to follow the laws that regulate business. Anti-discrimination laws are among those.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Yes, I can agree with that. The florist has every right as a private citizen not to attend gay weddings. He can join demonstrations that protest the legality of such weddings. He can refuse to shake hands with his gay friend. (The gay customer in this case was apparently a longstanding customer in his store.) But can he exempt his business from an anti-discrimination law because of his religious beliefs as a private citizen? That is the relevant question here. Does the law apply to him as a private citizen or him as a business owner? Or is there no difference?

What if he wasn't incorporated but was a sole proprietorship, so there was no difference between him as an individual and the business of the flowers? Would it the anti-discrimination law apply then?

My understanding is that private clubs can discriminate. Businesses that serve the general public and that depend on government services for their business may not. That florist needs taxpayers to provide the infrastructure under which his business can operate at a profit, so it is required to follow the laws that regulate business. Anti-discrimination laws are among those.

Well, until now it may seem.

 

[ZiprHead]

How about a constitutional right to be served a sandwich at a lunch counter? How about a constitutional right not to be forced to sit in a segregated area of a bus?

Where do you think those are in the Constitution?

Here we go again...

 

[bilby]

The reasoning is horrible. Religion should have zero special status. Religious freedom should mean only to believe what you want and not be the freedom to trample on any laws or rights of others that have a sound basis. This is theocratic thinking on the court.

I don't think there is a constitutional right to have someone provide you flower arrangements.

I don't think the constitution is the whole of the law.

And as a result I conclude that your comment adds nothing of value to this discussion.