Thursday, July 16, 2015

Where are the civil libertarians to defend that couple in Oregon?







The story of the Oregon bakery is hard to believe but true.  They are even talking about it in London:
The bakers said their refusal to bake for the couple was prompted by religious beliefs. The case has been cited in the national debate over religious freedom and discrimination against gays.
Bakery owners Aaron and Melissa Klein closed their Gresham store in 2013 and operate the business from home. They can still file an appeal with the Oregon court of appeals.
One of the Kleins’ attorneys, Anna Harmon, criticised the order, saying it was a case of “an overpowered elected official using his position to root out thought and speech with which he personally disagrees”.
Avakian’s order is unconstitutional, Harmon said, because “the right to speak freely, to think uniquely, and to live according to our faith is the bedrock of this country”.
I don't get it:

First, aren't we free to practice religion in the US?   The bakers refuse to bake the cake because it goes against their religious beliefs.    Isn't that what the US is about?

Second, what about their First Amendment rights?  They were ordered not to talk about it.

Third, and finally, aren't there other bakeries in town?   Why didn't the lesbian couple just take their dollars and go somewhere else?

This case should be appalling to every American, whether you are you left or right.
We can agree to disagree on the meaning of marriage.   We should not argue about the First Amendment, or one of the primary reasons that this is an exceptional nation.
My question is this:  Where is the ACLU when we really need them?  Is there an ACLU chapter brave enough to challenge the PC crowd?


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