I'd like to talk about the validity of economic discrimination as a means of public protest. In particular, I'm concerned with the impact of anti-discrimination laws on our ability to express our disapproval of groups or values that we find repugnant.
As an example, let's imagine a service provider who is adamantly anti-war. Federal law establishes 'veteran status' as a protected class. If this service provider refused to work for veterans, to express her opposition to those who participate in wars, she'd be legally culpable and subject to penalties. Is this right? How is this any different than boycotting a business whose views don't align with yours? Should boycotts based on protected classes also be banned?
Alternately, what about similar discrimination based on traits not yet on the protected classes list. Should an employer be allowed to refuse employment based on the political views of employees? Should the Democratic party be allowed to discriminate against potential employees based on their political views? Should Planned Parenthood be required to provide equal employment opportunity for someone who is adamantly opposed to abortion?
As an example, let's imagine a service provider who is adamantly anti-war. Federal law establishes 'veteran status' as a protected class. If this service provider refused to work for veterans, to express her opposition to those who participate in wars, she'd be legally culpable and subject to penalties. Is this right? How is this any different than boycotting a business whose views don't align with yours? Should boycotts based on protected classes also be banned?
Alternately, what about similar discrimination based on traits not yet on the protected classes list. Should an employer be allowed to refuse employment based on the political views of employees? Should the Democratic party be allowed to discriminate against potential employees based on their political views? Should Planned Parenthood be required to provide equal employment opportunity for someone who is adamantly opposed to abortion?