Tag: religious freedom

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North Carolina Passes Religious-Exemption Same-Sex Marriage Bill #religiousfreedom #LGBT

Today, in North Carolina, some court officials can now legally refuse to perform same-sex marriage responsibilities based on their religious beliefs. The state House voted to override Republican Gov. Pat McCrory’s veto of the bill 69-41. The Senate voted to do the same a week ago.  In his May 28 veto message, McCrory said that … Continue reading North Carolina Passes Religious-Exemption Same-Sex Marriage Bill #religiousfreedom #LGBT

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Abercrombie & Fitch’s ‘Look’ Loses Big With SCOTUS #inclusion #religiousfreedom

It just got harder for embattled retailer Abercrombie & Fitch to protect its signature “look.” This morning The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that the company’s failure to accommodate job applicant Samantha Elauf — who wore a hijab — violated civil rights law. The ruling was a long time coming. The incident happened in 2008, when … Continue reading Abercrombie & Fitch’s ‘Look’ Loses Big With SCOTUS #inclusion #religiousfreedom

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Indiana Is Officially Not Gay Friendly #diversity #inclusion #LGBT #discrimination

Indiana not gay friendlyIndiana Governor Mike Pence made it legal this past week for businesses to turn away gay and lesbian customers in the name of “religious freedom.”

There is one big thing wrong with that statement — besides the obvious — and its one word: legal.

What’s next? Will it be legal to kill black people in the street? … OK, bad example. But you get my point, right? Making something legal means it’s okay, it’s right, it grants permission for distinctly noninclusive, not to mention not very friendly, behavior.

On the other hand, considering the extremely strong buying power of the gay community — in 2013, it was an estimated $830 billion according to Witeck Communications and MarketResearch.com — what better way to root out bigots? I’ve always believed it’s better to know up front where you stand with people. It’s easier to avoid trouble that way. Of course, that attitude isn’t effective if inclusion is the goal. But if this bill backfires, it will almost certainly be for economic reasons, not anything specifically diversity-related. Continue reading “Indiana Is Officially Not Gay Friendly #diversity #inclusion #LGBT #discrimination”

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Arizona on Verge of Legalizing #Discrimination? #diversity #religiousfreedom

Okay, so if Arizona Governor Jan Brewer – she of the pointing finger in President Obama’s face; I’m so not a fan – passes the Exercise of Religion bill making it legal for business owners to discriminate against gay and lesbian customers if it pleases their religious beliefs, I will not be visiting that state, like, ever. In fact, I will be boycotting anything that starts with and ends with A, period. Religious freedom

Whatever next? Are we going to reinstitute prohibition? Maybe resurrect Jim Crow while we’re at it? Come on. I know – better than some – that we do not in fact live in a post-racial, completely gender and difference supportive society, but this is pushing it a bit too far, no? Continue reading “Arizona on Verge of Legalizing #Discrimination? #diversity #religiousfreedom”