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[–] Tanaghrison 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago 

This isn't the reality in the United States. A variety of first amendment protections are not extended to businesses, including free speech. Businesses have several viewpoint restrictions imposed on them by the government. These include views on gay marriage, religion, segregation, even smoking. People do not have the right to control their businesses, or to control what kind of speech happens there in the current environment, unless they agree with the regime in power.

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[–] Stanley_Yelnats_IV 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

I agree that those restrictions are unnecessary, but they aren't actually about speech, but service: a business is not required to prevent people in it from saying "I think racial segregation is a good idea," and indeed they are perfectly free to allow or disallow that sort of speech. What they can't do is discriminate on the basis of race when offering services.

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[–] antiplebbitor 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago  (edited ago)

While it may be repugnant, people should be allowed to discriminate in their private business for whatever reason: if they wish to make money, a savvy businessperson won't care with whom they're transacting business. Free markets sort out discrimination far more effectively than government edict.

The baker who chooses to bake cakes for gays will make more money and do more business than the baker who chooses not to bake cakes for gays. Et cetera. No need for government interference when dollars and cents speak so much more loudly...

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[–] Malphius [S] 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

An interesting and accurate observation.