Judge Wants Bakery Owner to Support Illegal Activities

[Professor]

Late to this party, and didn't read all 8 pages. But . . .

Just because a state may not have a law allowing gay marriage, doesn't mean that you have the right to discriminate against gays. They are two similar, but separate, issues.

Louisiana does not have a law allowing gay marriage. However, New Orleans has a law prohibiting discrimination against gays. And, the Louisiana governor (Edwin Edwards), in 1991, issued a still-existing Executive Order prohibiting discrimination against gays for state employment.

As a rule, your rights end where anothers' rights begin. The owner of a business has a right to practice his/her religion as he/she sees fit. But, when the practicing of that religion prevents another person from accessing services made available to the public, then such practicing is illegal.

The owner of a shop may refuse service because he is too busy, because he doesn't have supplies, or for any other legitimate business reasons. But, he may not refuse services based upon a belief whose practice invades the rights of another.