Religion

Humanist_Activist

(7,670 posts)

7. Sounds like an open and shut case for discrimination...

Tue Jul 3, 2012, 12:12 AM

Jul 2012

based on religion or religious activities.

Its a business of public accommodation, and they have to comply with local, state, and federal anti-discrimination laws. This includes not giving discounts based on a religious activity, nor requiring people to commit what is tantamount to fraud or theft to obtain these bulletins to get the discount.

Would it be legal for me to have a restaurant and offer a 10% discount to anyone who would throw a holy book(Torah, Bible, Koran, Bhagava Gita, etc) in a shredder at the entrance to the restaurant?

I mean, I'm not discriminating based on belief, you could be a devout Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, etc. and still be allowed to eat at the restaurant, but if you want that discount, then some holy books have to be destroyed first.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

249 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Atheist files complaint against Columbia restaurant over church-bulletin discount [View all] rug Jul 2012 OP

I can appreciate the logic. Those who will not tithe to church must tithe to this restaurant. dimbear Jul 2012 #1

LOL struggle4progress Jul 2012 #2

So why not just make Sunday 10% off day? Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #4

Cuz she's hopin folk drivin home after services will think struggle4progress Jul 2012 #8

I find it quite telling that instead of trying to defend this discriminatory policy... trotsky Jul 2012 #11

How about showing your...military ID card? Proof of Senior Citizenship? MADem Jul 2012 #26

Because those aren't federally protected classes protected from discrimination in publicly.... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #39

How about Superheroes? MADem Jul 2012 #51

Every one of your posts on this thread scream to the privilege that the religious experience Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #53

You know nothing about my views on this issue so don't pretend you do. MADem Jul 2012 #59

Now go take that privilege and get you 10% off on breakfast. cbayer Jul 2012 #62

I could get my discount with this bulletin, no problem, if I had a mind. MADem Jul 2012 #68

I agree with you. I think they would have accepted anything. cbayer Jul 2012 #69

It's like the clubs here that offer a free drink with a same day sporting event ticket stub ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #75

Again, a LEGAL promotion isn't comparable to one that violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. n/t Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #79

People without a church bulletin are not a protected class under that act ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #98

You really aren't getting this? pipoman Jul 2012 #207

They aren't asking for a recitation of the shahada (Islam) or the Lord's Prayer (Xtian). MADem Jul 2012 #217

I'm not a lawyer pipoman Jul 2012 #219

If the host/hostess in the restaurant asked the customers, instead of their name and number in their MADem Jul 2012 #222

Carl's Junior gave free burgers to people who wore Spiderman costumes. MADem Jul 2012 #83

Did you read ANYTHING that Humanist_Activist posted about the Civil Rights Act? Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #94

I think they did, and they are ignoring it because it disrupts their narrative of keeping... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #134

I feel for you and the frustration Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #144

Yes, and it does not apply. MADem Jul 2012 #158

And you'll be wrong all day, too. eqfan592 Jul 2012 #171

Continue--if "I" must? MADem Jul 2012 #172

Yes, because if a religious test is simple to pass, then it doesn't actually count as a test, right? eqfan592 Jul 2012 #180

No one is requiring faith. They are requiring a piece of paper that you can get from MADem Jul 2012 #189

I wonder how many will buy the costume so they can get one free burger? LiberalFighter Jul 2012 #170

It would be so much easier if they could just print out a picture of Spiderman MADem Jul 2012 #173

It would also be legal that way as well. eqfan592 Jul 2012 #181

It's legal to print out a church bulletin, too. MADem Jul 2012 #186

You'll have to point to where i said printing off the bulletin... eqfan592 Jul 2012 #191

You are NOT being discriminated against. MADem Jul 2012 #198

Ya know, I'll put up with a lot of things... eqfan592 Jul 2012 #211

You were unable to make your case, so that's your solution? MADem Jul 2012 #212

You don't have to be a theist Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #63

You are just wrong. You want a discount? Here's a bulletin for you. MADem Jul 2012 #70

Bingo.... Swede Atlanta Jul 2012 #203

Sorry. No. MADem Jul 2012 #205

You could possibly get one from someone in the parking lot at the restaurant. xmas74 Jul 2012 #228

I'll bet lying would work, too--but some don't want to lie, don't want to download one off the MADem Jul 2012 #235

If you ever really want one xmas74 Jul 2012 #236

You do realize those are completely different circumstances, right? trotsky Jul 2012 #81

Wow, a lot of assuming you're doing there--it's rather amusing how you MADem Jul 2012 #82

If that's how you need to try and dismiss the concerns of a minority, so be it. trotsky Jul 2012 #86

There you go again--making assumptions not in evidence. MADem Jul 2012 #87

I say there's plenty of evidence. n/t trotsky Jul 2012 #90

I'm entirely sure that's not the first time you have been wrong. nt MADem Jul 2012 #92

Certitude is a hallmark of the privileged EvolveOrConvolve Jul 2012 #135

You seem quite certain of that. MADem Jul 2012 #157

Touche EvolveOrConvolve Jul 2012 #210

A business has a right Confusious Jul 2012 #27

Yes it is, Jesus, did they fail to teach about the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in your High School? n/t Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #40

This message was self-deleted by its author Confusious Jul 2012 #44

Atheists weren't a protect class Confusious Jul 2012 #48

For purposes of law, yes they are, classified under "religion". Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #54

And atheists can attend church too ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #76

The question is, why should they have to(to get the discount)... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #78

Why should I have to have worn shirt of a local band to get in free to a club a few weeks ago? ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #96

Not. A. Protected. Class. Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #99

But I thought atheism is not a religion. cordelia Jul 2012 #106

*sigh* Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #118

This is not a discount due to belonging to a religion ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #149

For fuck's sake, are the religious people on this thread being delibrately obtuse, or do they... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #130

I don't hate atheists, and I'm not religious. cordelia Jul 2012 #143

So you didn't even read my response to you Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #145

So atheists are not, to you, equal to religious people legally? Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #147

Of course atheists are equal to religious people. cordelia Jul 2012 #166

Why are you assuming that the people who disagree with you are religious, or MADem Jul 2012 #199

Because that is the blanket assumption that is always made here. cbayer Jul 2012 #201

I suppose that's as valid as "Because I said so." MADem Jul 2012 #204

It is for the purposes of complaining about providing a piece of paper that is available on the MADem Jul 2012 #159

Actually, they are Confusious Jul 2012 #154

EEOC v. Townley Manufacturing, 859 F.2d 610 (9th Cir.1988) PoliticAverse Jul 2012 #156

not as "christian" as they make you think at townley bandersen Sep 2012 #249

they can just obtain the bulletin without attending the actual service. we, the kids that made up my leftyohiolib Jul 2012 #112

Atheists can bring a church bulletin, too, if they'd like. MADem Jul 2012 #73

Ugh. I've worked tables on Sundays before Scootaloo Jul 2012 #29

my wife`s hell was any women`s lunch in the places she worked ... madrchsod Jul 2012 #34

Let's all laugh at the stupid atheists who are treated differently! trotsky Jul 2012 #3

I really wouldn't call a discount at a restaurant Confusious Jul 2012 #28

Would you react in exactly the same way skepticscott Jul 2012 #35

I usually don't go to restaurants that serve the Sunday crowd Confusious Jul 2012 #36

So do I, so stop comparing this to legally NON-PROTECTED classes, but to for example race... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #41

This message was self-deleted by its author Confusious Jul 2012 #45

No it's not comparable because one can not change their race ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #74

Again with these assertions with no basis in fact, I'm referring to LEGALLY PROTECTED CLASSES... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #77

Should people be fired or hired at normal businesses based on their religion or lack thereof... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #129

What about lady's night at the local watering hole? pipoman Jul 2012 #208

Something tells me you are not going to get a lot of objection from privileged cbayer Jul 2012 #209

Kids eat free! MADem Jul 2012 #38

Protected vs. Non-Protected classes of people, look it up please, before you make yourself look... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #42

I don't think this lawsuit will fly, so we'll see who looks "like a fool." MADem Jul 2012 #49

Again, protected versus non-protected classes... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #55

Well, if it will be thrown out, who wins? Not the complainant. MADem Jul 2012 #58

And that would be a possible valid criticism, Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #65

You continue to fling insult from on high, because your mind is made up. MADem Jul 2012 #66

Oh for crying out loud, you are the one arguing from ignorance, I'm trying, in my own... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #131

There you go yet again--don't like my POV, call me ignorant, insufferable, a jackass. MADem Jul 2012 #160

If you read the post a little more carefully, you would see that... trotsky Jul 2012 #161

Well said. (nt) eqfan592 Jul 2012 #162

Yeah, that's how clever people who don't want to be called out on a personal attack parse their MADem Jul 2012 #167

What if I don't have a computer? trotsky Jul 2012 #168

Then you should sue them for discriminating against the computer-impaired. MADem Jul 2012 #174

You insist that there is somehow a difference between checking for crosses... eqfan592 Jul 2012 #169

Get a bulletin from the Church of Free Thought. MADem Jul 2012 #175

Your argument is that an easy test is no test at all. Sorry, but it just doesn't work that way. (nt) eqfan592 Jul 2012 #182

Not a test. You don't have to be a Superhero to have a Spiderman costume. MADem Jul 2012 #188

poor analogy, for reasons that have already been stated. (nt) eqfan592 Jul 2012 #194

Statement of fact: you don't have to be religious to acquire a church bulletin. MADem Jul 2012 #202

Silly complaint, you don't even have to attend church to get a bulletin ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #5

Why should they have to? Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #6

Why should someone "have to" dress up as Spiderman to get a free burger at Carl's Junior? MADem Jul 2012 #50

You really don't see the difference? Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #52

No, it isn't aimed at "rewarding the religious." That is a leap of faith (snark) you make. MADem Jul 2012 #60

Yep, keep diminishing it Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #64

If you have a printer and an internet connection, you can get the discount. MADem Jul 2012 #67

Yea Goblinmonger, "Get over yourself" EvolveOrConvolve Jul 2012 #71

You can get a discount too, with two clicks of your mouse and a printer. MADem Jul 2012 #72

Yeah, because that's exactly what every atheist wants to do. trotsky Jul 2012 #80

BRANDED in the community!!!! Alice the waitress will come to your table with a branding iron! MADem Jul 2012 #84

I will ask you what I asked s4p. trotsky Jul 2012 #85

My guess(es)? I would bet that their business is woefully slow on Sunday, and MADem Jul 2012 #88

Fascinating how you are growing increasingly aggressive and insulting. trotsky Jul 2012 #89

You continue to invent scenarios that suit your prejudices and biases. MADem Jul 2012 #91

It is from my direct experience in this religious society. trotsky Jul 2012 #93

Why Spiderman costumes? MADem Jul 2012 #176

This was already addressed and dismissed. trotsky Jul 2012 #184

There you go again--using snark and rudeness to try to make a mark! MADem Jul 2012 #185

So to criticize me for "using snark and rudeness to try and make a mark, trotsky Jul 2012 #230

Pointing out your rude conduct and offering a friendly suggestion at ameliorating your MADem Jul 2012 #231

I understand your intention clearly. trotsky Jul 2012 #232

Well, your conclusions are thoroughly inaccurate, but nice talking to you nonetheless. nt MADem Jul 2012 #233

Then how about this: Sunday is 10% off day. Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #95

There is a line between agreeing with what the restaurant does and thinking it should be illegal ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #97

At least you are the first one to admit they are promoting religion. Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #100

They might be promoting religion, I don't really care ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #152

+1 nt MADem Jul 2012 #178

What the fuck? So as long as its done to promote religion, discrimination should be legal? Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #136

No I'm saying it shouldn't be illegal because it's pretty minor and a common type of promotion ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #151

So now you work for Carl's, and you "know" their traffic is just fine? MADem Jul 2012 #177

Sounds like an open and shut case for discrimination... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #7

LOL! struggle4progress Jul 2012 #9

What is so funny about my post, all I see on this thread is people showing their legal ignorance.. Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #43

You laughers should wait to start laughing after the results of the complaint are known. 2ndAmForComputers Jul 2012 #10

I'll keep you posted. rug Jul 2012 #15

I've seen restaurants making offers like that. Thought this was Columbia, SC! nt raccoon Jul 2012 #12

If it was edhopper Jul 2012 #13

Just imagine the screaming meltdown. n/t trotsky Jul 2012 #14

The Maryland case was interesting struggle4progress Jul 2012 #16

Good research. rug Jul 2012 #17

I'd bring in Turbineguy Jul 2012 #56

Maybe you could just run thru the Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television routine struggle4progress Jul 2012 #57

Lots of people don't go to a service on Sunday - religious and not. cbayer Jul 2012 #18

Ticket stubs are different Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #23

As an Atheist Shadowflash Jul 2012 #32

typical and typically ignored exclusionism aside this is rather a silly complaint. dmallind Jul 2012 #19

How much of a discount? rug Jul 2012 #20

well hell on the off-chance you need vintage fountain pen repair,. how about dmallind Jul 2012 #24

"Give us one fact for charity" rug Jul 2012 #25

bit outside my milieu I'm afraid. Pens yes, MPs maybe. typewriters bit too mechanical for me. Sorry dmallind Jul 2012 #31

That's a funny exchange Renew Deal Jul 2012 #109

Not a chance of winning brooklynite Jul 2012 #21

They don't even have to "stop in" if they're unwilling or lazy. MADem Jul 2012 #214

Atheist files complaint over Lancaster County restaurant's church-bulletin discount (Patriot-News) struggle4progress Jul 2012 #22

You're probably right. But what a life he's had. rug Jul 2012 #30

I wouldn't be surprised if the religion was a shield to get him out of there. MADem Jul 2012 #223

I love that quote Renew Deal Jul 2012 #116

well that`s not going anywhere..... madrchsod Jul 2012 #33

I don't get it. That's just advertisement of the place. 2ndAmForComputers Jul 2012 #47

Nothing stopping the atheist from going to church to get a bulletin. I'm sure humblebum Jul 2012 #37

Indeed there are. 2ndAmForComputers Jul 2012 #46

An atheist can print one out at home from an atheist church. MADem Jul 2012 #61

If only that made a lick of difference. eqfan592 Jul 2012 #163

We're talking about a ten percent discount at a restaurant. That's the topic of this thread. MADem Jul 2012 #164

Thanks for completely avoiding the argument I was making. eqfan592 Jul 2012 #183

I'm not "avoiding" your argument. I'm telling you plainly you have no case. MADem Jul 2012 #190

LOL! You have failed to demonstrate how this isn't a religious test. eqfan592 Jul 2012 #192

Well, actually, I have. Your attempt to distract with a "LOL" doesn't cut it. nt MADem Jul 2012 #206

Putting in the "choose your battles" file........... yellowcanine Jul 2012 #101

The owner said she does not attend church. MADem Jul 2012 #213

And sometimes at the ball park you get a discount coupon for a meal at restaurants. yellowcanine Jul 2012 #102

Is this any different than free tacos for people with a basketball game ticket? Renew Deal Jul 2012 #103

Yes. Protected Class Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #105

Link? Renew Deal Jul 2012 #107

It can be interpreted as extending privilege to churchgoes while placing a burden on non-churchgoers Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #140

Suppose a business gave a 10% discount to anyone wearing a cross ? PoliticAverse Jul 2012 #155

Nope. There's no requirement that the bulletin be from "your" church, and no religious test. MADem Jul 2012 #215

The Quizno's next to our movie theater used to do this. Pab Sungenis Jul 2012 #104

It would be stupid to not honor the bulletins Renew Deal Jul 2012 #108

That is exactly the point. They want business. cbayer Jul 2012 #110

Why not just offer a discount on Sundays to everyone? trotsky Jul 2012 #113

Well, in our case Pab Sungenis Jul 2012 #115

Then why even require the bulletins? Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #119

Maybe they think the local church is an untapped source of business. Renew Deal Jul 2012 #122

So pay a few bucks Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #123

I think they are trying to generate a pattern--and maybe they DO advertise in the bulletins, as well MADem Jul 2012 #234

Targeted marketing, perhaps? MADem Jul 2012 #216

atheists have poetry on a high school gym wall removed cause it said our heavenly father leftyohiolib Jul 2012 #111

Wow. You really hate minority rights, don't you? Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #120

frivolous lawsuit Green_Lantern Jul 2012 #114

OK, Maybe you'll answer the scenario nobody else wants to. Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #121

this discount didn't exclude anyone based on religion since Green_Lantern Jul 2012 #124

So if it had to be a Christian bulletin, you'd be fine with it? Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #125

unless the intent was target a Green_Lantern Jul 2012 #126

So extending privilege to one group at the exclusion of others isn't discrimination? n/t Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #133

well if the discount was for Christians only it would be but Green_Lantern Jul 2012 #165

10 % discount isn't enough for me to care amuse bouche Jul 2012 #117

Does the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster have Sunday services? DBoon Jul 2012 #127

interesting Kali Jul 2012 #128

Don't go there, you'll get a shitload of Christians from this thread jumping down your throat... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #132

this is (yet another) one of those cases Kali Jul 2012 #137

Please point out the shitload of Christians without knowledge of morals or ethics cbayer Jul 2012 #138

Oh please, they make trivial comparisons that have nothing to do with the issue, then claim... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #139

I doubt this is the first restaurant in 48 years to offer such a promotion ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #150

This case is not a violation of the law... pipoman Jul 2012 #225

Here's the evangelical take on the case. dimbear Jul 2012 #141

I don't see much difference between their religious folks an ours, reading through the comments... Humanist_Activist Jul 2012 #142

This one seems to say explicitly Goblinmonger Jul 2012 #146

Post removed Post removed Jul 2012 #148

"A store is offering a discount or promotion for bringing in a church bulletin. Is that legal?" PoliticAverse Jul 2012 #153

Bus company offers front of the bus seating rights to people who affirm a belief in god. Warren Stupidity Jul 2012 #179

Yeah. rug Jul 2012 #187

If by "stupid" you mean appropriate and fitting, then i agree completely. eqfan592 Jul 2012 #193

No, I meant stupid. rug Jul 2012 #195

Stupid and insulting? Wow. Warren Stupidity Jul 2012 #196

I have encountered much of it, Warren. rug Jul 2012 #197

The restaurant isn't asking anyone to affirm anything. nt MADem Jul 2012 #200

I didnt say they were. Warren Stupidity Jul 2012 #218

No one is asking for anyone to affirm anything in this situation. MADem Jul 2012 #224

Im sorry you dont get why they are very similar. Warren Stupidity Jul 2012 #227

There is no "Freedom From Offense" law or regulation. Vote with your feet if you are offended. MADem Jul 2012 #229

That would be illegal religious discrimination ButterflyBlood Jul 2012 #220

But front of the bus seating for a church bulletin would be ok? Warren Stupidity Jul 2012 #221

interesting but less than a scandal.... dtom67 Jul 2012 #226

... The co-owner of the restaurant, Sharon Prudhomme told FOX43 numbers are down on Sundays struggle4progress Jul 2012 #237

Why have you ignored all the questions put to you above, trotsky Jul 2012 #238

Restaurant flooded with support after atheist complaint struggle4progress Jul 2012 #240

Further information: struggle4progress Jul 2012 #239

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission opens investigation per rightwing site: dimbear Jul 2012 #241

That's not really new. rug Jul 2012 #242

The other news is what counts. The restaurant is rewarded for its actions, at least so far. dimbear Jul 2012 #243

By reward, I assume you refer to increased business as a result of the bulletin discount. rug Jul 2012 #244

Increased business as a result of her being called out by a nonbeliever. dimbear Jul 2012 #246

"She faced a fundamentally moral question." rug Jul 2012 #248

My post #239 suggests that the owner was touchy about the complaint at first, and that a rightwing struggle4progress Jul 2012 #245

Self righteousness, principle, what's in a name? dimbear Jul 2012 #247