If the central argument against the law is that it causes harm similar to the harm caused by businesses refusing service to blacks, hasn't that changed in a fairly dramatic way? Back then, if a black man or woman couldn't eat at the lunch counter or rent a room, there might not be alternative options in the vicinity. I think I even saw UB or someone make the point about driving 50 miles or something to that effect. In modern day America, if Mcdonalds doesn't serve gays, there are 20 other eateries nearby to provide sustenance. If Red Roof Inn takes the same position, there are probably a dozen other motels/hotels that serve everyone. Same thing goes with just about every service, even in smaller cities.
Not taking a position on either side, I'm just interested in the answer. If there are so many alternative businesses that do provide service to homosexuals, how are they actually harmed. Aside from the obvious and justifiable offense they would feel from the refusal of service.
It's homophobic and divisive, it's labelling gays as second class citizens whether that is the intention or not I don't know, it's like saying "you're good enough to come in but you over there are not".
What's next, refusal of service to family members of gay people!
It's homophobia plain and simple and dressing it up as freedom of whatever is BS, obviously the bible thumpers will say it's on religious grounds and believe it but what about the guy who doesn't go to church, he can be a bigot now and claim it's because of his religious beliefs, the only freedom I see here is the freedom to hate.
Gay service men/women and firefighters etc don't just go to work in the morning or fight enemies just for gay people they do it for their city/country and every citizen of every persuasion gay or straight. If they had that attitude it would be called unpatriotic.
You ask about the harm, I say it's harmful when a veteran returns home to AZ after his/her tour of duty and is told you cannot come into my store and buy my goods but it's ok if you die for me.
It's harmful to confused teens and young people who if brave enough to come out and face the already well established prejudices now have to face this crap as well.
It will also affect the livliehoods of suppliers, accountants, lawyers and every other service these businesses deal with if that supplier or accountant etc is gay or arguably rumoured to be gay. Sure people can say they will find other clients etc but it still has the potential to damage people.
I'm not articulate enough to properly express what I'm trying to say but I think it will damage society as a whole.
