This phrase has been used for generations as a way to discriminate against minorities.
The question is who the retailer should be free to exclude. The retailer might find lots of people offensive.
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A Sikh coming in to buy fabric to make turbans for her husband might be found by many to be offensive. We all remember the killings at a Sikh temple last year.
How about a Muslim who comes to a rug store wanting to buy a rug for prayer?
We have many examples of homosexuals being refused cakes, flowers and a hotel room.
How about refusing services to young black men in hoodies?
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For generations, Catholics, Jews and blacks were discriminated against in the South (and less openly in the North). Now, there is less of this is the South. Posters point out that the South has changed, and it has. BUT, much of the South now discriminates against Muslims and those of Spanish descent.
In Boston, retailers and employers used to discriminate against Catholics.
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In the end, the law in many states limit the so-called right of a retailer to refuse service.
The open question is who should be protected. In the US, laws have been past based on past discrimination. In many states, we cannot discriminate because of race, sex, national origin, religion, disability or sexual orientation. All but the last are part of national laws with regard to employment and other matters.
To me, this brings up the question of why the government has the responsibility to protect against someone's perceived internal feelings.
I'm a white male, and I've been discriminated against by white males. Do I qualify?
This question of service also goes to hiring practices...Why should a health club be required to not consider someone's health when it comes to hiring?
It also goes to the Catholic priesthood.
Regarding specific businesses, such as pharmacies, you can discriminate by not providing a product, can't you? If you're a good Catholic, and you don't want to fill birth control pill prescription and you don't want to sell condoms, can you do that?
Personally, I believe every one of us discriminates in some way every day. Discrimination is placing a label on someone based on their outward appearance.
I remember this commercial on TV, these kids were in a room, and a man was serving ice cream, and one kid said he wanted some ice cream, the man said "Sorry, new customers only!". The other kid said he'd like some ice cream, and the guy said "Sure!" And the first kid said "But I'm a new customer." And the guy said, "Well, he's new.....er."
There's also 'good' discrimination. If you do something for someone, for example, giving a blind person the right of way, or help an aged woman across the street.
I try very hard not to base my views on someone's appearance. It's hard, though...like the kid with the back of his jeans closer to his knees than his butt...