A t-shirt company declined to print message shirts for the Lexington, Ky. gay rights organization, explaining that to do so would be contrary to its beliefs. The group proceeded to file a complaint with the Lexington Human Rights Commission, which says it intends to apply subpoena power and that the t-shirt printer faces fines under a city ordinance if found to have “discriminated.” [Eugene Volokh, Bruce MacQuain/QandO]
7 Comments
How dare someone discriminate in what words they wish to print!
That’s why you don’t refuse orders like that. You just jack the price up 1,000% of your normal rate. If they still want the order, at that price, take it.
Could an argument be used by the shop that being forced to do business–or in this case print speech against their beliefs–would violate freedom of (from?) association?
This is a problem with having a bunch of Protected Groups.
Freedom of association has already been eroded by anti-discrimination laws. I say do business with whom you will. Discriminate if you want. Let the market and boycotts put you out of business if they will.
It’s really all about power anyway. “You don’t want to do business with me? I’ll force you to!”
I know a gay screen printer. I’m going to see if he’ll print a nasty homophobic bible verse for me…
Anyone wanna represent?