by Jim » Tue Nov 28, 2017 11:54 am
In all of this, there seems to be the strange insistence that the First Amendment applies to all entities regarding religion and speech. The First only indicates what GOVERNMENT cannot do vis-a-vis religion and speech. Private entities—practically across the board regarding ALL activities—are not susceptible to the constraints of this amendment. For this reason, employers can require certain constraints such as regarding clothing worn, acceptable speech on any subject, non-use of drugs (even for religious purposes), uniforms (as at McDonald's), tattoos (not allowed a while back for state-park workers in Ky. if visible to the public), etc., whether those affected like it or not. The Court's Hobby-Lobby decision is instructive. The government will do well to stay out of businesses like those CREATING goods or services on the basis of their religious beliefs. Citizens can decide which businesses to support on the basis of their religion-stances (both individuals and businesses) and not on the basis of the First Amendment, which has only to do with what government cannot do.