Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
#CakeGate: can you refuse service on the basis of faith?
Position3 of 4

No, service cannot be refused on religious grounds

This position holds that service cannot be refused on religious grounds. It argues that the law, not personal faith, is the highest authority, that religious freedom must not be exercised in ways that harm others, and that allowing such refusal is no different from refusing a mixed-race couple.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Would you refuse service to a mixed-race couple?
    Why is it that sometimes we are willing to tolerate discrimination but in others find it unpalatable
  2. The law is the highest authority
    In a secular society with non-discrimination laws, all citizens must abide by those laws
  3. Exercise of religious freedom must not hurt others
    Respecting the rights of the religious is important, but only insofar as those rights don't involve 3rd party harm.