From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune -
Bus driver gets OK to avoid gay-themed ads
"The Metro Transit dispute raises questions about the point at which accommodating one group's beliefs infringes on the rights of others. A city bus driver who complained about a gay-themed ad got official permission not to drive any bus that carries that ad, according to an internal memo confirmed Tuesday by Metro Transit. Transit authorities call it a reasonable accommodation to the driver's religious beliefs."
Go here to read the entire article. What do you think?
10 months ago
3 comments:
I can see the bus driver's point, but by accommodating her wishes it does open the employer up to lots of other work refusals due to religious beliefs. This tactic (religious-based exclusions) is going to be more and more prevalent in future conservative movements. The rumoured proposal of "Protection of Religion" legislation by Harper's Tories as a way to get around gay marriage in Canada for example.
Just another reason to not belong to any organized religion as far as I'm concerned . . . Why religious beliefs have anything to do with society's laws is just beyond me. From tax ememptions for churches to the 10 commandments in courthouses it's all just crap . . . .
Yes, it's the "floodgates" issue that concerns me as well as the fact that there are TONS of things that some of us could assert violate our "religious" beliefs (noting the somewhat broad interpretation of "religion" that the courts have permitted) but would be downright ignored.
What about the bus driver who refuses to drive the bus with the Hooters ad, or the Michelob ad, or the ad for Planned Parenthood? Yeah, just wait for the latter - some time soon!
This stuff is making me crazy! Okay, crazier. -)
Will the Roman Catholic Church claim that it is being discriminated against because the civil law allows for marriages it would not (i.e., after divorce)? ANYTHING can be draped in religious beliefs and, indeed, every prejudice includes some religious rationale.
If you don't like living in a pluralistic society, go live in one that is not and see how you like it. (Certain countries in the Middle East come to mind.)
So frustrating! I agree that this will be the next battle tactic. We must fight back hard and point out the ridiculousness of their arguments.
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