The cake that Colorado baker Jack Phillips refused to bake was the kindling that lit a nation-wide discussion in the USA. Can a business deny service to an individual on the basis of their sexual orientation? As the Supreme Court came to a verdict in favour of the baker, the narrowness of the ruling still left the question unanswered. The baker was quickly followed by others who stood up in solidarity of his beliefs such as the Richland florist and the Kentucky county clerk. The resultant discussion has pitted religious freedom against the civil liberties of same-sex couples and LGBT individuals.
Yes, service can be refused on grounds of religion in all cases
Forcing an individual to provide a service against their will and religious beliefs is wrong
Religious freedom is uniquely important
Why would we make somebody provide a service they deem immoral and wrong?
Service can be refused on religious grounds, but not in all cases
In terms of personal beliefs, there are certain things that should be lenient. Diet is one of the things any person can practice on their own terms without interfering with other’s who don’t hold the same values. However, mixing beliefs with business is not idea in a society with values that continue to change.
Some kinds of service can be refused on grounds of religion but not all
Certain acts violate one's freedom of conscience so one shouldn't be forced to perform them, however, one shouldn't be able to refuse service to someone on basis of their innate characteristics.
Service should not be denied because of someone’s view on identity
The idea of what identity is has changed considerably over the last couple of decades. Gender and sexuality have become more diverse than it was in the early 21st century. Unfortunately, many religions don’t approve of these changes because they don’t acknowledge them as identity.
