"We Reserve the Right to Refuse Service to Anyone"

If you are my age, 72 years old at this writing," you remember the signs in restaurant windows that read, "We refuse the right to refuse serviced to anyone." Usually, there were clarifying notes like, "No shirt no service," or "No shoes, No service." No one but hippies complained but it was not a big deal because there was another restaurant down the street that was open to them.

Oh, but now, Administrative Law Judge Robert Spencer ordered Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cake shop in suburban Denver, to accommodate same sex-couples or face fines and other possible penalties. He said that the Colorado bakery owner illegally discriminated against a gay couple when he refused to bake a wedding cake for the pair last year because of his Christian religious beliefs.

The Judge said, "At first blush, it may seem reasonable that a private business should be able to refuse service to anyone it chooses," but went on to say, "This view, however, fails to take into account the cost to society and the hurt caused to persons who are denied service simply because of who they are." I might insert here that they were not actually denied service because of who they are but, rather, what they are. Their personhood is not in question. It is their actions that were objectionable to the business owner. I see no "cost to society" in that, now, there should be room for bakeries that cater to same sex couples.

"The case involves Charlie Craig and David Mullins, who said Phillips refused to bake a wedding for their wedding celebration when they went to his shop in 2012. The couple was wed in Massachusetts, one of 16 U.S. states that have legalized same-sex marriage, but wanted to have a celebration of their nuptials in Colorado."

"Colorado allows civil unions for same-sex couples, but defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Phillips refused to bake the cake, saying his Christian beliefs prevented him from doing so."

It seems to me that, "At first blush," and all blushes after, a business owner should reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, regardless of their preferences in apparel, sexuality or anything else. After all, this is America where all roads meet and freedom of religion, or absence of the same, is, supposedly, "tolerated."

Those who scream, "Intolerance!," seem to be the most intolerant and demanding. One has to wonder where all this will lead. Will we not, in the near future, be able to order Italian food at our favorite Olive Garden because it offends those who like Mexican food or are anti-Olive? Should our kids be exempted from school because they are conscientious objectors of education? Where are the dog owners that can't bring their fido's or fifi's into food establishments. Surely dogs and cats like fine dining too.

Hmmm. I'm sure you can come up with some other great scenarios for the offend able.

Just thinking out loud -

Quotes from an article found in CharismaNes 9:00AM EST 12/9/2013 KEITH COFFMAN/REUTER - © 2013 Thomson Reuters.