"As expected, Senate committee passes Colorado civil unions bill" (Denver: college, to live in)

[denverian]

Originally Posted by dude_reino

I'd rather see people boycotting a business out of FREE WILL than see government legislation FORCE a business to serve to people they don't want to.

Which do you prefer?

I agree. I assume small businesses can refuse service to anyone, correct? If a baker wanted to only service Catholics, for instance, could they turn away all others?

But really, isn't it a stupid move for any business that's open to the public to get into the whole politica/social issue game? If I'm a business owner, I want to make money from anyone and everyone. Why would I **** off a large portion of potential business? Or if you dislike certain groups of people, maybe being open to the public isn't a good career move for you.

[dude_reino]

Originally Posted by denverian

I agree. I assume small businesses can refuse service to anyone, correct? If a baker wanted to only service Catholics, for instance, could they turn away all others?

But really, isn't it a stupid move for any business that's open to the public to get into the whole politica/social issue game? If I'm a business owner, I want to make money from anyone and everyone. Why would I **** off a large portion of potential business? Or if you dislike certain groups of people, maybe being open to the public isn't a good career move for you.

Yes, this is how a free market is intended to work. However, government has shown to overstep its bounds, such as the aforementioned civil rights era, where they mandated "You MUST service black people." Now we go from a free market to a controlled market.

Many conservatives support the gay movement. However, if liberals even think about petitioning the government to mandate that businesses service gays--against their beliefs--then you will see this support fade VERY fast.

[Wardendresden]

Originally Posted by dude_reino

Yes, this is how a free market is intended to work. However, government has shown to overstep its bounds, such as the aforementioned civil rights era, where they mandated "You MUST service black people." Now we go from a free market to a controlled market.

Many conservatives support the gay movement. However, if liberals even think about petitioning the government to mandate that businesses service gays--against their beliefs--then you will see this support fade VERY fast.

Federal anti-discrimination law covers:

• Age (40 years or more)
• Color
• Genetic Information (protected types)
• Disability (physical or mental)
• National Origin
• Race
• Religion
• Sex (including pregnancy and childbirth)

A business might find itself in trouble for refusing service or sales to anyone for any of those reasons. However it is not unreasonable for a business to have a sign that says: "No shoes, no shirt, no service."

It could even have a sign that says "No service to anyone wearing a hat" or "No service for those in yellow clothing."

I worked for a number of insurance companies that said, "We won't provide any kind of coverage for sports cars," or "no coverage for anyone under age 21 unless we carry their parents/guardians insurance policy." But, believe it or not, an auto insurer may NOT discriminate against someone who is blind. They may ask additional questions to be certain the blind person is not the operator of the vehicle, but they cannot deny coverage based on the physical disability of blindness.

There are lots of ways to discriminate that are not illegal. Some may not make a lot of sense, but that is the great thing about a free country---even business owners may be as stupid as anyone else as long as it isn't illegal!!!!

[Josseppie]

Originally Posted by denverian

My partner (of 16 years) and I plan to "make it legal", but neither of us want a wedding ceremony. Weddings seem to me more of a thing for women to feel like a princess for a day lol! And a HUGE waste of money. I really don't get the whole wedding thing.

Its a personal preference. I am Italian and have been to many Italian weddings and love them. The pasta, homemade Italian cookies, mints, cake, wine etc. Plus songs like the Chicken dance. Its a nice family reunion for something other then a funeral. If you have ever seen Tony and Tina's Wedding that is how the ones were that I went to. I actually got bored at the play because I had been to so many in real life I was like why would I want to see it acted out?

That being said I have always dreamed about having my own. Hopefully soon I can. Now I just have to meet the guy for me.

[debbie at bouontiful]

Originally Posted by denverian

My partner (of 16 years) and I plan to "make it legal", but neither of us want a wedding ceremony. Weddings seem to me more of a thing for women to feel like a princess for a day lol! And a HUGE waste of money. I really don't get the whole wedding thing.

After putting on two weddings in one year for our two daughters. That cost a fortune so they could feel like princesses for the day, I agree. A little get together with best friends and family and then off to someplace romantic sounds better than a 2 hour party that cost a down payment on a house.

[Sobe Itsavized]

Originally Posted by debbie at bouontiful

After putting on two weddings in one year for our two daughters. That cost a fortune so they could feel like princesses for the day, I agree. A little get together with best friends and family and then off to someplace romantic sounds better than a 2 hour party that cost a down payment on a house.

Putting a price tag on a special moment and disregarding the memories that were created and will be created is something most people can't see until after they realize it was or wasn't worth it.

[GoneNative]

Originally Posted by denverian

I agree. I assume small businesses can refuse service to anyone, correct? If a baker wanted to only service Catholics, for instance, could they turn away all others?

But really, isn't it a stupid move for any business that's open to the public to get into the whole politica/social issue game? If I'm a business owner, I want to make money from anyone and everyone. Why would I **** off a large portion of potential business? Or if you dislike certain groups of people, maybe being open to the public isn't a good career move for you.

Because, simply, for a lot of people, religious faith trumps economic gain.

[GoneNative]

Originally Posted by denverian

I keep wondering when Focus on the Family will finally give up on CO and move to Texas!

Give up? I'm not affiliated with Focus on the Family, but I am politically and morally sympathetic with the group. I assure you, there simply is no giving up. Civil unions may indeed pass--contrary to the will of the voters who voted this down seven years ago, of course--but the war is already won. Truth is truth, and you no matter what sorts of laws you pass, you can't fit a square peg in a round hole, and that's more or less what same-sex marriage is.

Social conservatives in Colorado have a lot of celebrate, and the future is far brighter than you think.

[brightdoglover]

Originally Posted by denverian

My partner (of 16 years) and I plan to "make it legal", but neither of us want a wedding ceremony. Weddings seem to me more of a thing for women to feel like a princess for a day lol! And a HUGE waste of money. I really don't get the whole wedding thing.

Not this (straight) woman. Now, of course I shoulda been born a princess and not have to work, but since it didn't happen...

The one time I thought I might marry, we were going to come to Colorado to a friend's house, have a J.P. and some meaningful words, then go off and visit far-flung friends for a "honeymoon." He (second marriage, actually, the lying SOB wasn't actually divorced) offered me the white dress gig and I couldn't think of anything I wanted less.

[Sobe Itsavized]

Originally Posted by GoneNative

Give up? I'm not affiliated with Focus on the Family, but I am politically and morally sympathetic with the group. I assure you, there simply is no giving up. Civil unions may indeed pass--contrary to the will of the voters who voted this down seven years ago, of course--but the war is already won. Truth is truth, and you no matter what sorts of laws you pass, you can't fit a square peg in a round hole, and that's more or less what same-sex marriage is.

Social conservatives in Colorado have a lot of celebrate, and the future is far brighter than you think.

A long time ago that would have been accurate but obviously with enough force eventually the square peg will fit in the round hole. It's just a matter of time. With that time, society will have changed and, as history has proven time and time again, those attitudes will sleep beside you in your grave. The younger generations, no matter how much you try to force your belief or knowledge onto them, will develop their own and "evolve."

Celebrating means eventually the party will be over and you are entirely correct. There is much to celebrate before the party is over. When it's over, no one will notice because no one will care in that century. Those who did will be snuffed out by old age, truth is truth.