It’s the Message, Not the Customer

I did not see any responses to my last letter “Is This Fair To Women?”. If Selina Soule is indeed wrong in her thinking, we need to know why and how to proceed.  Imagine you are writing to her and address her concerns.  Anyone?

No one addressed Mr. Bradford’s letter (“Businesses Should Serve All of the Public”).  Let’s try.

He seems concerned about local florist and bakers refusing him (or others) service.  I am 100% sure if he walked into any local establishment and asked any vendor to sell any merchandise on the shelf to him, or deliver it to any venue, they certainly would.

The issue before the court is NOT refusal of service.  It’s about forcing an artist (Lorie Smith) to CREATE a message that goes against her beliefs.

Mr. Bradford has run an amazing ministry for years - restoring and donating bicycles to underprivileged kids.  He has helped hundreds, maybe thousands, who knows?  Many are better off because of his dedication to this cause.  He (no doubt) scavenges parts from non-functional machines and assembles them to produce a unique combination of parts that work.  He is not only a skilled mechanic, but a true artist.

Now suppose some law required him to accommodate a recipient’s request to inscribe a bible verse opposing homosexuality on the top tube of the bicycle.  He would be faced with (a) discontinuing his work, serving no one or (b) being forced to convey a message that goes against every belief he holds and fights for, indeed against the very nature of his being.  That is no choice at all!  Why would we do such a terrible thing to him - or Lorie Smith?

I am hoping we will not.

– Stacy Spink, Castro Valley