Quote:From what I've read that seems to be te case. For profit business are required by discrimination laws to serve equal access. So here's where it becomes sticky, every church, every minister had always charged some kind off fee to use their church and perform ceremonies so will they then be considered acts of business or religion?

 

Yeah, they've charged a fee, but I'd say that's a bit different from being a for-profit wedding chapel.  It's sticky, but let's keep in mind that the Knapps (Until recently) advertised the fact that they performed ceremonies for people of all faiths.  It was only recently that they changed it to only performing "A Traditional Christian Ceremony"  (And that was a bit after they filed their suit).  Of course, being a for-profit chapel, they still perform weddings of other faiths.  They're just careful not to advertise it so much.


Also keep in mind that they aren't actually facing prosecution at this time, and that the gay couple they turned down is not suing for the right to get married by them, but the chapel is suing to have the ordinance overturned. 


It's a very sticky situation.  I mean... can a justice of the peace also say "Nope, not performing this ceremony.  It goes against my religious beliefs."  I agree that churches should not be required to perform any services that conflict with their beliefs.  But gay couples still need options of who to get to perform their services.  

If I was running a for-profit wedding chapel, and I didn't believe in performing a gay wedding service, I'd probably hire someone on staff who was willing to.  

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