Abstract
Same-sex marriage is now legal in all fifty states, which has created a same-sex wedding industry. Some business owners, who do not believe in discrimination based on sexual orientation, nevertheless have religious beliefs that forbid them from participating in same-sex marriage ceremonies and celebrations by providing goods and services for those ceremonies and celebrations. This comment argues for passage of a statute which adequately protects business owners who have religious objections to same-sex marriage, but does not provide for blanket discrimination against the LGBT community. The comment argues this goal is feasible if the statute is narrowly tailored to encompass only businesses in the wedding industry engaged in wedding-related business transactions. The comment further argues that the same statute can also ensure LGBT individuals are not discriminated against in conducting regular business activities. Finally, the comment proposes a sample statute successfully accomplishing the dual objectives of protecting religious liberty and banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Recommended Citation
Alex Riley,
Religious Liberty vs. Discrimination: Striking a Balance When Business Owners Refuse Service to Same-Sex Couples Due to Religious Beliefs,
40
S. Ill. U. L.J.
301
(2015).
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/siulj/vol40/iss2/8